_Tel._ It was the wizard Proteus, Whom strangely he entamed and all his art, When he lay windbound in the isle of Pharos; Who told him, for he held him fast for all His magic shifts and slippery changefulness, Becoming first a bearded lion, thereafter A snake, a leopard, and a bristly boar; And then as running water seemed he, or A tall and flowering tree ... _Pen._ My son, my son, These are mere tales. When was this said to have been? 1240 _Tel._ ’Twas scarce two years. _Pen._ Ah, and so long! _Tel._ ’Tis tidings Both sure and good, mother; and yet ’tis nought To what remains. The thing I sought abroad Has come to me at home: but if I tell thee, Thou in thine inmost heart store it,—no word Even to Eumæus, tho’ ’twas in his hut, —Where as I crossed the isle I turned aside,— I found an aged man, his beggar guest: Whom, for Eumæus warned me he was full Of tales of Troy, I held of no account 1250 When first he spoke, but soon I learnt he knew. He was himself at Troy, and, as he saith, Hath lately seen my father, who is free, And bent on swift return. _Pen._ Is this thy news? _Tel._ Is’t not then news? _Pen._ Nay, nay, thou art deceived. An idle tale Eumæus would not hear: A rogue he warned thee of, and not the first That thus hath lied. _Tel._ There hath been none like him. _Pen._ Their tale is still the same, and spiced to match Any credulity. _Tel._ I would not have 1260 Thy mind less wary, nor bespeak thy credit. To-morrow I will bring him here, and then, He being our guest, thyself mayst question him. And be thou not persuaded, I will look No longer for my father’s wished return; Nor after lend an ear to any man, But hold him as our enemy, who saith Ulysses lives. _Pen._ In hoping and despairing Thou art too quick, my son; and past occasions Have taught thee nought. Come, tell me of thyself, And of thy journey. Tell me too of Helen, 1271 Is she still beautiful? and doth she live Forgiven of Menelaus and beloved? _Tel._ In good time, mother, shalt thou hear all this, And more. Consider now how best to prove This beggar, when I bring him. _Pen._ If need were ’Twere easy.—Yet, how should Eumæus err? Hath he not means to sift the false from true? Could such a guest as this thou deemest dwell With him unknown? _Tel._ Thou shalt thyself enquire. 1280 Weigh well what proof to use, but now no longer Delay the sacrifice my safety calls. [_Going._ _Pen._ My son!