Eumaeus Departs

75“I go, my friend, to tend the swine and guard
What there you have, your sustenance and mine.
The charge of what is here belongs to you.
Be your first care to save yourself, and watch
To see that mischief overtake you not —
For many are the Achaians plotting it,
Whom Zeus destroy ere we become their prey!”

76Then spoke discreet Telemachus in turn:
“So be it, father, and, when you have supped,
Depart, but with the morning come, and bring
Choice victims for the sacrifice. The care
Of all things here is with the gods and me.”

77He spoke; the swineherd sat him down again
Upon his polished seat, and satisfied
His appetite and thirst with food and wine.
Then he departed to his herd, and left
The palace and the court before it thronged
With revellers, who gave the hour to song,
And joined the dance; for evening now was come.