_Ul._ But when thou seest me mocked and scorned, a slave, A beggar where I am lord, wilt thou discover 780 No indignation? _Tel._ I will hide my wrath. _Ul._ For I must be thy guest among my foes. _Tel._ To be my guest, if they should set upon thee To drive thee forth, will force me to resist. _Ul._ Fear not the threatenings of those doomèd men. _Tel._ They all are armed, and thou wilt be unarmed. _Ul._ Tho’ they provoke me I will bide my time. _Tel._ But how if they assault thee unprepared? _Ul._ The goddess will withhold their impious hands. _Tel._ Lurk rather here until the plot be ripe. 790 _Ul._ Nay, son; and were the lure of home less strong To me so long deprived, yet would I see Myself the wrongs there done me, see the shame Of which men speak; and, once within the hall, I can take count and measure of my foes. A just cause, bold heart, and the aid of heaven Should still thy fear. _Tel._ Tell me thy bidding, father! _Ul._ Ay, so ’tis best: and thro’ thee I may come To see thy mother;—hark, the course is plain: Go to the town; announce thine own return; 800 Thence to the house, and to Eumæus say Thou wilt receive me; he must know no more: Bid him to-morrow fetch me to the hall. And when thou seest thy mother, tell her thus; Thou hast seen a stranger in Eumæus’ hut, Who having known thy father, carries news That he is near. As to confirm thy tale, Bring her to speech with me when none are by. Ourselves may meet at night, and then consult In secret on what stratagem may grow 810 From that occasion, or what further thing The goddess may command. _Tel._ Now thy disguise Is my chief fear, father; I know these men: Their insolent assumption would not brook Any intruder, but against a beggar They will make sport of outrage. _Ul._ Sayst thou so? Then shall we prove them thus: be they good men They will show pity: if they mock my rags, Try if they honour thee; and bid them make, Each of his own, a portion unto me. 820 I then shall see their hearts: the more they rage, Force them the more with full authority. This canst thou well do. ’Tis thy harder task Not to betray me. Youth is bold of heart And hot in battle, but to guard the tongue And to restrain the hand come with long years. _Tel._ Now let this trial prove me once for all, Whether in keeping counsel and in battle I am thy true son, or another man. _Ul._ All hangs on thee; for none but thou must know, 830 Not even thy mother. Tell me, I would learn If in her thought I am alive or dead; And what thine own mind was, fear not to say.