But those other twain went forth both together from the house, the neatherd and the swineherd of godlike Odysseus; and Odysseus passed out after them. But when they were now gotten without the gates and the courtyard, he uttered his voice and spake to them in gentle words:
'Neatherd and thou swineherd, shall I say somewhat or keep it to myself? Nay, my spirit bids me declare it. What manner of men would ye be to help Odysseus, if he should come thus suddenly, I know not whence, and some god were to bring him? Would ye stand on the side of the wooers or of Odysseus? Tell me even as your heart and spirit bid you.'
Then the neatherd answered him, saying: 'Father Zeus, if but thou wouldst fulfil this wish: {*}--oh, that that man might come, and some god lead him hither! So shouldest thou know what my might is, and how my hands follow to obey.'
{* Placing a colon at [Greek]}
In like manner Eumaeus prayed to all the gods that wise Odysseus might return to his own home.