Agelaus urges remarriage

42He ended, and the assembly all sat mute
Till Agelaus spoke, Damastor’s son: —

43“O friends! let no man here with carping words
Gainsay what is so rightly said, nor yet
Insult the stranger more, nor one of those
Who serve the household of the godlike chief
Odysseus in his palace. I would say
This word in kindness to Telemachus
And to his mother; may it please them both!
While yet the hope was cherished in your hearts
That wise Odysseus would return, no blame
Could fasten on the queen that she remained
Unwedded, and resisted those who came
To woo her in the palace. Better so,
Had he come home again. Yet now, it is clear,
He comes no more. Go then, Telemachus,
And, sitting by your mother, bid her wed
The noblest of her wooers, and the one
Who brings the richest gifts; and you possess
Your father’s wealth in peace, and eat and drink
At will, while she shall find another home.”

44And thus discreet Telemachus replied:
“Nay, Agelaus, for I swear by Zeus,
And by my father’s sufferings, who has died,
Or yet is wandering, far from Ithaca,
That I do nothing to delay the choice
And marriage of my mother. I consent
That she become the wife of whom she list,
And him who offers most. But I should feel
Great shame to thrust her forth against her will,
And with unfilial speeches; God forbid!”