tection as soon as he is
master in his own house. Then he bids the swineherd notify his mother
of his safe arrival, directing her to send word to Laertes of his
return. This man has no sooner gone than Minerva restores Ulysses to
more than his wonted vigor and good looks, bidding him make himself
known to his son and concert with him how to dispose of the suitors.
Amazed to see the beggar transformed into an imposing warrior,
Telemachus is overjoyed to learn who he really is. The first
transports of joy over, Ulysses advises his son to return home, lull
the suitors' suspicions by specious words, and, after removing all
weapons from the banquet hall, await the arrival of his father who
will appear in mendicant's guise.

While father and son are thus laying their plans, Telemachus' vessel
reaches port, where the suitors mourn the escape of their victim. They
dare not, however, attack Telemachus openly, for fear of forfeiting
Penelope's regard, and assure her they intend to befriend him.
Meantime, having delivered his message to his mistress, the swineherd
returns to his hut, where he spends the evening with Telemachus and
the beggar, little suspecting the latter is his master.

_Book XVII._ At daybreak Telemachus hastens back to the palace,
whither the swineherd is to guide the stranger later in the day, and
is rapturously embraced by his mother. After a brief interview,
Telemachus sends her back to her apartment to efface the trace of her
tears, adding that he is on his way to the market-place to meet a
travelling companion whom he wishes to entertain. After welcoming this
man with due hospitality, Telemachus gives his mother an account of
his trip. While he is thus occupied, Ulysses is wending his way to the
palace, where he arrives just as the suitors' wonted revels reach
their height. But as he enters the court-yard, his favorite hunting
dog expires for joy on recognizing him.

He knew his lord;--he knew, and strove to meet;
In vain he strove to crawl and kiss his feet;
Yet (all he could) his tail, his ears, his eyes,
Salute his master and confess his joys.
Soft pity touch'd the mighty master's soul:
Adown his cheek a tear unbidden stole;
Stole unperceived: he turn'd his head, and dried
The drop humane.

Humbly making the rounds of the tables like the beggar he seems,
Ulysses is treated kindly by Telemachus, but grossly insulted by the
suitors, one of whom, Antinous, actually flings a stool at h