The Odyssey of Homer


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While yet he spoke, the prince advancing drew  
Nigh to the lodge, and now appear'd in view.  
Transported from his seat Eumaeus sprung,  
Dropp'd the full bowl, and round his bosom hung;  
Kissing his cheek, his hand, while from his eye  
The tears rain'd copious in a shower of joy,  
As some fond sire who ten long winters grieves,  
From foreign climes an only son receives  
(Child of his age), with strong paternal joy,  
Forward he springs, and clasps the favourite boy:  
So round the youth his arms Eumaeus spread,  
As if the grave had given him from the dead.  
"And is it thou? my ever-dear delight!  
Oh, art thou come to bless my longing sight?  
Never, I never hoped to view this day,  
When o'er the waves you plough'd the desperate way.  
Enter, my child! Beyond my hopes restored,  
Oh give these eyes to feast upon their lord.  
Enter, oh seldom seen! for lawless powers  
Too much detain thee from these sylvan bowers,"  
The prince replied: "Eumaeus, I obey;  
To seek thee, friend, I hither took my way.  
But say, if in the court the queen reside  
Severely chaste, or if commenced a bride?"  
401  


Page
399 400 401 402 403

Quick Jump
1 153 306 459 612