Antinoüs’s Mockery

20Thus Athena spoke, the child of Zeus.
Telemachus obeyed the heavenly voice,
And stayed not; home he hastened, where he saw
Sadly the arrogant suitors in the hall,
Busily flaying goats and roasting swine.
Antinous, laughing, came to meet the youth.
And fastened on his hand, and thus he spoke: —

21“Telemachus, you youth of lofty speech
And boundless in abuse, let neither word
Nor deed that may displease you vex your heart,
But gayly eat and drink as you were wont.
The Achaians generously will provide
Whatever you require, ship and men —
All chosen rowers —that you may arrive
Sooner at sacred Pylos, there to learn
Tidings of your illustrious father’s fate.”

22Then spoke discreet Telemachus in turn: —
“Antinous, never could I sit with you,
Arrogant ones! in silence nor enjoy
The feast in quiet. Is it not enough,
O suitors, that while I was yet a child
You wasted on your revelries my large
And rich possessions? Now that I am grown,
And, when I hear the words of other men,
Discern their meaning, now that every day
Strengthens my spirit, I will make the attempt
To bring the evil fates upon your heads,
Whether I go to Pylos or remain
Among this people. I shall surely make
This voyage, and it will not be in vain.
Although I go a passenger on board
Another’s ship —since neither ship have I
Nor rowers —you have judged that so were best.”