The Odyssey of Homer


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His cornel javelin poised with regal port,  
To the sage Greeks convened in Themis' court,  
Forth-issuing from the dome the prince repair'd;  
Two dogs of chase, a lion-hearted guard,  
Behind him sourly stalked. Without delay  
The dame divides the labour of the day;  
Thus urging to the toil the menial train;  
"What marks of luxury the marble stain  
Its wonted lustre let the floor regain;  
The seats with purple clothe in order due;  
And let the abstersive sponge the board renew;  
Let some refresh the vase's sullied mould;  
Some bid the goblets boast their native gold;  
Some to the spring, with each a jar, repair,  
And copious waters pure for bathing bear;  
Dispatch! for soon the suitors will essay  
The lunar feast-rites to the god of day."  
She said: with duteous haste a bevy fair  
Of twenty virgins to the spring repair;  
With varied toils the rest adorn the dome.  
Magnificent, and blithe, the suitors come.  
Some wield the sounding axe; the dodder'd oaks  
Divide, obedient to the forceful strokes.  
511  


Page
509 510 511 512 513

Quick Jump
1 153 306 459 612