would reach home only after making due sacrifices in Egypt to appease
the gods, that his brother had been murdered on arriving at Mycenae,
and that Ulysses--sole survivor of his crew--was detained by Calypso
in an island, whence he had no means of escape. The sea-god had
further promised that Menelaus should never die, stating that, as
husband of Helen and son-in-law of Jupiter, he would enjoy everlasting
bliss in the Elysian Fields. Then, after describing the sacrifices
which insured his return to Sparta, Menelaus invites Telemachus to
tarry with him, although the youth insists he must return home.

Meantime the suitors in Ulysses' palace entertain themselves with
games, in the midst of which they learn that Telemachus has gone.
Realizing that if he were dead Penelope's fortunate suitor would
become possessor of all Ulysses' wealth, they decide to man a vessel
to guard the port and slay Telemachus on his return. This plot is
overheard by a servant, who hastens to report it to Penelope. On
learning her son has ventured out to sea, she wrings her hands, and
reviles the nurse who abetted his departure until this wise woman
advises her rather to pray for her son's safe return! While Penelope
is offering propitiatory sacrifices, the suitors despatch a vessel in
Antinous' charge to lie in wait for the youth. But, during the sleep
which overcomes Penelope after her prayers, she is favored by a
vision, in which her sister assures her Telemachus will soon be
restored to her arms, although she refuses to give her any information
in regard to Ulysses.

_Book V._ Aurora has barely announced the return of day to gods and
men, when Jupiter assembles his council on Mount Olympus. There
Minerva rehearses Ulysses' grievances, demanding that he be at last
allowed to return home and his son saved from the suitors' ambush. In