between Ithaca and Samos, with intent to slay thee;
take heed then that thou shun that passage, and sail home by another
way. And when thou art come to Ithaca, go straight to the dwelling of
Eumaeus, and send him down to Penelope with news of thy return."

Such a message, brought by such a messenger, was not to be neglected.
Telemachus at once roused Pisistratus, the son of Nestor, who was
sleeping near, and declared his intention of starting at once; but
when Pisistratus pointed out how displeasing such conduct would be to
their princely host he consented to wait till morning.

Accordingly, when day was come, he went to Menelaus, and asked leave
to depart at once. Menelaus consented, only insisting that he should
remain for the morning meal. While this was preparing, the generous
prince went to his treasure chamber, and returned laden with a
splendid silver bowl, the work of Phoenician artists, which he had
received when he visited the King of Sidon on his voyage from Troy.
And Helen brought an embroidered robe, the work of her own fair hands,
as a wedding gift for his future bride.

As soon as they had eaten they mounted the chariot, and drove slowly
through the outer gate of the courtyard, Menelaus and Helen following
on foot Here they drew up to say farewell, and Menelaus pledged them
in a bowl of wine, wishing them god-speed. "And forget not," he added,
"to greet Nestor for me when ye come to Pylos, for he was ever gentle
to me as a father when we sojourned in the land of Troy."

"I will not forget to carry thy message," answered Telemachus; "would
that I were as sure to see my father when I come to Ithaca, that I
might tell him of thy noble hospitality, and show him thy gifts."

Hardly had the words been uttered when a clamour of voices was heard,
and a crowd of men and women ran past, pursuing with loud cries an
eagle, which had just seized a great white goose from the courtyard,
and was carrying her off in his talons. Straight over the chariot he
flew, and with a scream of triumph sped away to the mountains with his
booty. "Consider now, my prince," said Pisistratus, "whether this omen
was sent to us or to thee."

Menelaus, who was somewhat slow of wit, paused to deliberate; but
before he could frame an answer, the quick brain of Helen was ready
with an interpretation. "The eagle is thy father, Odysseus," she said
to Telemachus, "and the meaning of the omen is that he is already in
Ithaca, or close at han