At length began tender questionings, but the answers had to be left for leisure days. Now they must discuss the great question. A long time was spent in consultation and Ulysses instructed his son how to proceed and how to receive him when he should arrive at the palace. In the meanwhile the vessel which had brought Telemachus had sailed round the island and entered the harbor near the city. The men beached the ship. One faithful youth took Telemachus’ gifts away with him, another ran to Ulysses’ palace to bring the queen news of her son’s return. But he was so imprudent as to cry out the news to her before all the suitors, who gnashed their teeth with rage over the failure of their schemes and stole away to concoct secretly new ones. Soon afterward honest Eumæus also arrived with his secret message, but found he was too late, and at once set out again for his home, where he arrived in the evening. Athene had again clothed the king in his beggar’s rags, so that Eumæus had no idea of what had taken place during his absence. He quickly selected a year-old pig for the evening meal, waited upon his guests carefully, and they all retired early to rest and received the good gift of sleep. Chapter XI Ulysses and the Goatherd—the Dog Argos—Ulysses in the Hall among the Suitors At daybreak Telemachus arose, put on his sandals, and took up his lance. “Now fare thee well, father,” he said to Eumæus. “I am going to the city, for my mother will not cease worrying until she sees me. I charge thee bring thy guest to my house, where he may try his luck, and help shall not fail him.” “It is well,” said Ulysses. “In the city, where there are many rich people, a beggar can make his way better than in the country. The morning air is cold and my rags are thin, so let me warm myself a while at the fire and then I shall be ready.” Telemachus walked quickly away. He reached town before the suitors had arrived at his house, placed his lance, according to custom, outside the door against a pillar, and entered the hall. There the old servant Euryclea was dusting and arranging the cushions. When she saw the youth she hastened to him weeping; the other maids also welcomed him and kissed his face and shoulders. Penelope also came and embraced her beloved son with tears. She held him for a long time in her arms and begged him to tell her what he had heard on his journey. “Mother,” said he, “do not make me speak of new troubles, for I have scarce escaped death. But now bathe thyself and put on clean garments, then ascend to the housetop and vow a thank-offering to the gods if they will avenge the shame of our house. I am going to the market place to fetch the stranger who accompanied me on my return.”