With these words he placed the
double cup in the hands of Telemakhos, while Megapenthes brought the
beautiful mixing-bowl and set it before him. Hard by stood lovely
Helen with the robe ready in her hand.
"I too, my son," said she, "have
something for you as a keepsake from the hand of Helen; it is for
your bride to wear upon her wedding day [hôra].
Till then, get your dear mother to keep it for you; thus may you go
back rejoicing to your own country and to your home."
So saying she gave the robe over
to him and he received it gladly. Then Peisistratos put the presents
into the chariot, and admired them all as he did so. Presently
Menelaos took Telemakhos and Peisistratos into the house, and they
both of them sat down to table. A maid servant brought them water in
a beautiful golden ewer, and poured it into a silver basin for them
to wash their hands, and she drew a clean table beside them; an upper
servant brought them bread and offered them many good things of what
there was in the house. Eteoneus carved the meat and gave them each
their portions, while Megapenthes poured out the wine. Then they laid
their hands upon the good things that were before them, but as soon
as they had had enough to eat and drink Telemakhos and Peisistratos
yoked the horses, and took their places in the chariot. They drove
out through the inner gateway and under the echoing gatehouse of the
outer court, and Menelaos came after them with a golden goblet of
wine in his right hand that they might make a drink-offering before
they set out. He stood in front of the horses and pledged them,
saying, "Farewell to both of you; see that you tell Nestor how I have
treated you, for he was as kind to me as any father could be while we
Achaeans were fighting before Troy."
"We will be sure, sir," answered
Telemakhos, "to tell him everything as soon as we see him. I wish I
were as certain of finding Odysseus returned when I get back to
Ithaca, that I might tell him of the very great kindness you have
shown me and of the many beautiful presents I am taking with
me."
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