him a friend is coming, for his dogs fawn upon the stranger and do not
bark. A moment later Telemachus enters the hut, and is warmly welcomed
by his servant, who wishes him to occupy the place of honor at his
table. But Telemachus modestly declines it in favor of the aged
stranger, to whom he promises clothes and protection as soon as he is
master in his own house. Then he bids the swineherd notify his mother
of his safe arrival, directing her to send word to Laertes of his
return. This man has no sooner gone than Minerva restores Ulysses to
more than his wonted vigor and good looks, bidding him make himself
known to his son and concert with him how to dispose of the suitors.
Amazed to see the beggar transformed into an imposing warrior,
Telemachus is overjoyed to learn who he really is. The first
transports of joy over, Ulysses advises his son to return home, lull
the suitors' suspicions by specious words, and, after removing all
weapons from the banquet hall, await the arrival of his father who
will appear in mendicant's guise.

While father and son are thus laying their plans, Telemachus' vessel
reaches port, where the suitors mourn the escape of their victim. They
dare not, however, attack Telemachus openly, for fear of forfeiting
Penelope's regard, and assure her they intend to befriend him.
Meantime, having delivered his message to his mistress, the swineherd
returns to his hut, where he spends the evening with Telemachus and
the beggar, little suspecting the latter is his master.

_Book XVII._ At daybreak Telemachus hastens back to the palace,
whither the swineherd is to guide the stranger later in the day, and
is rapturously embraced by his mother. After a brief interview,
Telemachus sends her back to her apartment to efface the trace of her
tears, adding that he is on his way to the market-place to meet a