identity and is evidently repelled by his unprepossessing appearance.
Hearing this, Ulysses suggests that all present purify themselves,
don fresh garments, and partake of a feast, enlivened by the songs of
their bard. While he is attended by the old nurse, Minerva sheds upon
him such grace that, when he reappears, looking like a god, he dares
reproach Penelope for not recognizing him. Then, hearing her order
that his bed be removed to the portico, he hotly demands who cut down
the tree which formed one of its posts? Because this fact is known
only to Penelope and to the builder of the bed, she now falls upon
Ulysses' neck, begging his pardon. Their joy at being united is marred
only by Ulysses' determination soon to resume his travels, and pursue
them until Tiresias' prediction has been fulfilled. That night is
spent in mutual confidences in regard to all that has occurred during
their twenty years' separation, and when morning dawns Ulysses and his
son go to visit Laertes.

_Book XXIV._ Mindful of his office as conductor of souls to Hades,
Mercury has meanwhile entered the palace of Ulysses, and, waving his
wand, has summoned the spirits of the suitors, who, uttering plaintive
cries, follow him down to the infernal regions.

Cyllenius now to Pluto's dreary reign
Conveys the dead, a lamentable train!
The golden wand, that causes sleep to fly,
Or in soft slumber seals the wakeful eye,
That drives the ghosts to realms of night or day,
Points out the long uncomfortable way.
Trembling the spectres glide, and plaintive vent
Thin hollow screams, along the deep descent.
As in the cavern of some rifty den,