Beside the garden, whither I have sent Telemachus, the herdsman, and the good Eumæus to prepare us quick repast. So they conferr'd, and to Laertes' house Pass'd on together; there arrived, they found Those three preparing now their plenteous feast, 430 And mingling sable wine; then, by the hands Of his Sicilian matron, the old King Was bathed, anointed, and attired afresh, And Pallas, drawing nigh, dilated more His limbs, and gave his whole majestic form Encrease of amplitude. He left the bath. His son, amazed as he had seen a God Alighted newly from the skies, exclaim'd. My father! doubtless some immortal Pow'r Hath clothed thy form with dignity divine. 440 Then thus replied his venerable sire. Jove! Pallas! Phœbus! oh that I possess'd Such vigour now, as when in arms I took Nericus, continental city fair, With my brave Cephallenians! oh that such And arm'd as then, I yesterday had stood Beside thee in thy palace, combating Those suitors proud, then had I strew'd the floor With num'rous slain, to thy exceeding joy. Such was their conference; and now, the task 450 Of preparation ended, and the feast Set forth, on couches and on thrones they sat, And, ranged in order due, took each his share. Then, ancient Dolius, and with him, his sons Arrived toil-worn, by the Sicilian dame Summon'd, their cat'ress, and their father's kind Attendant ever in his eve of life. They, seeing and recalling soon to mind Ulysses, in the middle mansion stood Wond'ring, when thus Ulysses with a voice 460 Of some reproof, but gentle, them bespake. Old servant, sit and eat, banishing fear And mute amazement; for, although provoked By appetite, we have long time abstain'd, Expecting ev'ry moment thy return. He said; then Dolius with expanded arms Sprang right toward Ulysses, seized his hand, Kiss'd it, and in wing'd accents thus replied. Oh master ever dear! since thee the Gods Themselves in answer to our warm desires, 470 Have, unexpectedly, at length restored, Hail, and be happy, and heav'n make thee such! But say, and truly; knows the prudent Queen Already thy return, or shall we send Ourselves an herald with the joyful news? To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. My ancient friend, thou may'st release thy mind From that solicitude; she knows it well. So he; then Dolius to his glossy seat Return'd, and all his sons gath'ring around 480 Ulysses, welcom'd him and grasp'd his hand, Then sat beside their father; thus beneath Laertes' roof they, joyful, took repast. But Fame with rapid haste the city roam'd In ev'ry part, promulging in all ears The suitors' horrid fate. No sooner heard