domeneus the elder, and myself, whom he
named AEthon. When war arose between the Greeks and Trojans, Idomeneus
sailed to fight for the sons of Atreus, and I was left behind in my
father's house. Then it was that I saw Odysseus, who was driven by
stress of weather to seek shelter on our coasts. When he had anchored
his ships in the harbour, he came up to the town and inquired for
Idomeneus, whom he said was his friend, honoured and beloved; but we
told him that Idomeneus had departed ten days before. Then I received
him in my house, and feasted him and all his company for twelve days;
for all that time the north wind blew, so that a man could not stand
up against it. On the thirteenth day the wind ceased and they put out
to sea."

Penelope's tears flowed fast as she listened to that cunning fiction,
which seemed to bring her husband before her eyes. Odysseus watched
her, with eyes set like horn or iron, as she sat before him sobbing
and rocking herself to and fro; but his heart grew big within him, and
he could hardly keep back his own tears. At length she grew calmer,
and wishing to try him, asked him this searching question: "If thou
didst indeed entertain my husband in thy house, tell me what manner of
man he was, and what garments he had on, and who they were that
attended him."

"It is hard," answered Odysseus, "to tell thee of what thou askest,
after twenty years; nevertheless I will attempt to call up his image
from the past. He wore a purple woollen cloak, of two folds, and it
was held by a golden brooch with a double clasp; and on the brooch was
fashioned a hound, holding in his jaws a fawn; and so skilfully was it
wrought that the figures seemed to live, the fawn struggling to
escape, and the hound clenching his fangs to hold him--so rare a piece
it was. Under his cloak, Odysseus wore a close-fitting tunic, which
glistened like the peel of a dried onion; for very soft and fine was
the texture. I cannot tell whether these were the garments which he
had on when he left you; it may be that they were a gift received on
his voyage, for he had many friends. Even so I gave him a sword of
bronze and a mantle, and a fringed tunic, when I bade him adieu.
Further, I would have thee know that he had a squire with him,
somewhat older than himself, a round-shouldered man, dark of
complexion, and with curling hair. His name was Eurybates, and
Odysseus held him in high regard."

What were the emotions of Penelope, when she