The Odyssey

by Homer

Of all the creatures that live and breathe and creep on earth, we humans130 are weakest. When the gods bestow on us good fortune, and our legs are spry and limber, we think that nothing can ever can go wrong; but when the gods bring misery and pain, we have to bear our suffering with calm. Our mood depends on what Zeus sends each day. I once had what most people count as wealth, great riches. I committed many crimes, of violence, abuses of my power, abetted by my brothers and my father.140 No one should turn away from what is right; a man should quietly accept whatever the gods may give. I see how wickedly the suitors are behaving—wasting wealth and failing to respect the wife of one who soon will come back to his family and homeland. Very soon! May spirits guide you home, so you do not meet him when he comes. When he confronts the suitors in this hall there will be blood.”