These memories caused the old nurse to shed bitter tears. “Alas,” she said, “the gods are my witnesses that I loved my noble master like a son. And now I will take good care of thee, as my mistress has commanded; and gladly too, for I must confess, stranger, from the first moment when I looked upon thee, it seemed to me that I had never seen a man so like Ulysses in voice and figure as thou art.” “All who have known us both, good dame, say the same, and everywhere men have called me Ulysses, in sport,” answered the crafty one. The old woman now brought the tub with warm water. Meanwhile the beggar had turned his back to the blaze, for he had suddenly bethought him that he was in danger of discovery. Since early youth he had had a deep scar above his right knee, where a furious boar had wounded him in the hunt. Euryclea knew this scar too well; therefore he placed himself in the shadow that she might not see it. But in spite of this she discovered it as soon as her hand touched it, and in joyful surprise she let fall his leg, overturning the tub of water. Fortunately Penelope had gone out for a moment and did not hear the old woman’s cry of joy. Ulysses sprang up quickly, putting his hand over her mouth and whispering hurriedly: “Foster mother, wilt thou ruin me? Be silent, if life is dear to thee, that no one in this palace may learn that Ulysses has returned.” “Thou knowest my heart is true and faithful,” answered the worthy Euryclea. Then Penelope returned and seated herself opposite the beggar once more. “Alas,” said she, “it seems as though I never should find rest. Every night I am disturbed by dreams in which I see my husband and which seem to promise his return. As long as my son was a child I had to keep our home; but now that he has grown to be a man, I am afraid that he is angry with me that I do not wed another and go away. For he suffers most from the squandered riches and I can never hope to replace his wasted fortune. My parents also urge me to yield myself. Last night I had a strange dream. In the courtyard are twenty geese which I feed and take pleasure in. In my dream an eagle came flying from the mountains, killed them all, and flew away. And when I lamented and my women came to comfort me, behold it returned, perched on the housetop, and spoke with human voice: ‘Courage, daughter of Icarius, this is no empty dream, for it shall be fulfilled. The geese are the suitors and I am thy husband come to avenge thee and me.’ I was so frightened that I awoke. Quickly I went to the window, and there were my geese feeding from the trough as usual.” “In truth, noble queen,” replied Ulysses, “the dream is plain enough. Believe me, destruction shall suddenly overtake the suitors.”