Meanwhile Phemius [Footnote: Phe'-mi-us.] the minstrel sang to the
suitors, and his song was of the unhappy return of the Greeks from
Troy.

When Penelope heard the song, she came down from the upper chamber
where she sat, and two handmaids bare her company. And when she
came to where the suitors sat, she stood by the gate of the hall,
holding her shining veil before her face. Then spake she to the
minstrel, weeping, and said: "Phemius, thou knowest many songs
concerning the deeds of gods and men; sing, therefore, one of
these, and let the guests drink the wine in silence. But stay this
pitiful strain, for it breaketh my heart to hear it. Surely, of
all women I am the most unhappy, so famous was the husband for
whom I mourn."

But Telemachus made reply: "Why dost thou grudge the minstrel, my
mother, to make us glad in such fashion as his spirit biddeth him?
It is no blame to him that he singeth of the unhappy return of the
Greeks, for men most prize the song that soundeth newest in their
ears. Endure, therefore, to listen, for not Ulysses only missed
his return, but many a famous chief besides. Go, then, to thy
chamber, and mind thy household affairs, and bid thy handmaids ply
their tasks. Speech belongeth unto men, and chiefly to me that am
the master in this house."

Then went she back to her chamber, for she was amazed at her son,
with such authority did he speak. Then she bewailed her lord, till
Athene sent down sleep upon her eyes.