First, I have to say this blog is very handy when you’re out of town!
In the translation, I had difficulty with lines 193-4. I understand it’s something about leaves on the ground (appropriate for this season!), but I just can’t seem to put all of the words together.
To echo Midori’s post, I, too, was amused by Eumaios’ reaction to Odysseus. I love the fact that he, unlike the others Odysseus has encountered, is not impressed with his wild stories. Is this an insight on his part, or is Odysseus finding it harder to conceal himself in his fatherland? But still, he takes care of his guest, and this is where my favorite lines came in:
You too, old man of many sorrows, since the spirit brought you here to me, do not try to please me nor spell me with lying words. It is not for that I will entertain and befriend you, but for fear of Zeus, the god of guests, and for my own pity. (14.386-9).
These lines reflect Eumaios’ blunt honesty, and yet he still offers hospitality. This shows how strongly the culture valued hospitality, that he would even take in one whom he strongly suspected of lying.
Yay tag team!
Poor Eumaios…such a touch position to be in, as seen in the quote you provided.
I am having extreme trouble with the translation tonight, but that could be because I spent most of the weekend studying for my 7-10 pm HISP exam today and when I made time to look up words in Greek, they didn’t make all that much sense together…esp. the leaves and bedding parts.