morrow to Sparta, where he can question Menelaus himself. Although
Mentor urges Telemachus to accept this invitation, he declares he must
return to the ship, and vanishes in the shape of a bird, thus
revealing to all present his divine origin. A sumptuous meal in the
palace ensues, and the guest, after a good night, participates at
break of day in a solemn sacrifice.

_Book IV._ Riding in a chariot skilfully guided by one of Nestor's
sons, Telemachus next speeds on to Sparta, where he finds Menelaus
celebrating the marriages of a daughter and son. On learning that
strangers have arrived, Menelaus orders every attention shown them,
and only after they have been refreshed by food and drink, inquires
their errand. He states that he himself reached home only after
wandering seven years, and adds that he often yearns to know what has
become of Ulysses. At this name Telemachus' tears flow, and Helen, who
has just appeared, is struck by his resemblance to his father. When
Telemachus admits his identity, Menelaus and Helen mingle their tears
with his, for the memory of the past overwhelms them with sorrow. Then
to restore a more cheerful atmosphere, Helen casts "nepenthe" into the
wine, thanks to which beneficent drug all soon forget their woes. She
next relates how Ulysses once entered Troy in the guise of a beggar,
and how she alone recognized him in spite of his disguise. This
reminds Menelaus of the time when Ulysses restrained him and the other
Greeks in the wooden horse, and when Helen marched around it mimicking
the voices of their wives!

Soothed by "nepenthe," all retire to rest, and when morning dawns
Telemachus inquires whether Menelaus knows aught of his father. All
the information Menelaus vouchsafes is that when he surprised
Proteus, counting sea-calves on the island of Pharos, he was told he