Dolius Welcomes Odysseus

27So talked they with each other. When they all
Ceased from their task, and saw their meal prepared,
They sat them down in order on the thrones
And seats, and each put forth his hand and shared
The banquet. Now approached an aged man,
Dolius, attended by his sons, who came
Weary with toil, for the Sicilian dame,
The nurse who reared them, went and summoned them —
She who in his late age with faithful care
Cherished the father. These, when at the board
They saw Odysseus, and knew who he was,
Stopped in the hall astonished. Instantly
Odysseus called to them with friendly words: —

28“Sit at the board, old man; let none of you
Give way to blank amazement. Know that we,
Though keen our appetite for this repast,
Have waited long, expecting your return.”

29He spoke, and Dolius sprang with outstretched arms
And seized Odysseus by the hand, and kissed
The wrist; and thus in winged words he spoke: —

30“Dear master! since you are returned to us,
Who longed and yet expected not to see
Your face again —since some divinity
Has led you hither —hail! and great may be
Your happiness, and may the gods bestow
All blessings on you! But declare, for I
Would gladly know, if sage Penelope
Have heard the tidings yet of your return,
Or must we send them by a messenger.”

31Odysseus, the sagacious, answered thus:
“My aged friend, she knows already all.
Why would you take that care upon yourself?”

32He spoke, and Dolius on a polished seat
Sat down, but round the great Odysseus came
His sons, and welcomed him with loving words,
And hung upon his hand, and then they took
Their places by their father. So they sat
Beneath Laertes’ roof, and banqueted.