third+entry+or+eumaeus

Dear diary,

Alas! The gods have granted my request, and Telemachus is safe in my dwelling once more! He walked in the gates a few hours ago, and i greeted him with immense joy! I sat him down beside the beggar and gave him wine and meat, and we all sat down for a jubilant supper. I may be mistaken, but the beggar seemed to set a gaze of recognition and amazement upon Telemachus as he ate, even though he claimed to be from a far away land. How would he know Telemachus if that was true?

After the last piece of bread had been devoured, and the last drop of wine drained, Telemachus asked e if I would go to the city for him and let his lady mother know of his return to Ithaka. I complied and hurried on down the rocky path, leading to the city. When I arrived at the hall of our late king, I found there the usual crowd of wooers, as rambunctious and insolent as ever. They yelled and bossed the servants, and wasted Odysseus’s hard earned substance. I fear soon there will be nothing left for Telemachus when he becomes of age. At that moment, Queen Penelope walked into the dining room, looking radiant as ever, but with tear stained cheeks. I ran to her and let her know of her son’s safe return, and she smiled greatly and I saw the tiniest sparkle in her somber eyes. The wooers began to shout now at her and she turned to leave with her handmaids. I thought then it would be in my best interest to leave, before they turned their attention on me.

I returned to my house and found the beggar and Telemachus talking excitedly. They saw me and stopped whispering. "Thank you my friend" said Telemachus. "It was no trouble at all. Are you staying at my home this night or will you be returning to your own? I inquired. "I think I shall go and show myself to my mother, and bring this stranger to the city so he may collect alms from the people there." said he. "No my lord, you may go along, let Eumaeus bring me to the city" the beggar said. Telemachus agreed and went on his way.

The stranger and I are going to leave for the city now. May the gods let this be the final meal the wooers have, and may the gods bring our king home to ensure that!

Eumaeus