_Ul._ Nay, many dames that mourn Their lords fordone at Troy, lament unblamed. _Pen._ Then why say’st thou to me, weep not; who knowest My loss so well, knewest so well my lord? _Ul._ Since thy lord lives, therefore I say weep not. _Pen._ I knew that thou wouldst say Ulysses lives. _Ul._ ’Tis to no purpose then I bring thee joy? _Pen._ Many have falsely brought this hope before. _Ul._ And yet unwittingly they spake the truth. Ulysses lives. _Pen._ Prince Æthon, if so thou be, 1980 I came to hear thy tale, ’twas well begun: Shew proof as fair for what thou goest to tell. _Ul._ Lady, indeed Ulysses lives, and now He is in Thesprotia, as I lately heard, And gathers gifts and treasures as he comes: The which I saw, a kingly wealth, enough To dower his children’s children o’er and o’er. His brave companions all were gone, but he From untold perils was come out unscathed. _Pen._ Where learnedst thou this? 1990 _Ul._ Being in Thesprotia Not many days ago, the good king Pheidon Told me these things, and shewed me too a ship For voyage stored, wherein he said Ulysses Should shortly sail; and with him I had come, But that a vessel there discharging corn, Left for Dulichium, and gave me passage. _Pen._ Thou saw’st him not? _Ul._ True, lady, I saw him not; He had travelled to Dodona, to consult The oracle. _Pen._ Nay, and alas thou hast seen him Scarce later than have I. _Ul._ May Zeus himself 2000 Be witness first, and then this kindly house Of good Ulysses, whither I am come, He shall return to thee ere this moon change. _Pen._ I thank thee, sir; and wish right well thy word Might be accomplished: I would so reward thee, That all who looked on thee should call thee blessed. But in my heart I know ’twill not be so; Nor shew’st thou proof. _Ul._ What of my oath? _Pen._ Indeed I doubt not thy good will, nor thy good faith; But nought can come of it; and much I fear 2010 That thou wilt scarce win escort from this house, So are its masters changed. _Ul._ Mean as I am, I fear not them thou hintest; nor in thy house Will they dare hurt me. I will here remain, Until Ulysses comes.