“ Who knows the son of sorrow to relieve, Cheers the sad heart, nor lets affliction grieve. Of all the ills unhappy mortals know, A life of wanderings is the greatest woe; On all their weary ways wait care and pain, And pine and penury, a meagre train. ”
Homer, Odyssey (c. 850 BC). copy citation
| Author | Homer |
|---|---|
| Source | Odyssey |
| Topic | pain sorrow |
| Date | c. 850 BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Alexander Pope |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3160/3160-h/3160-h.htm |
Context
“Stay, then: no eye askance beholds thee here; Sweet is thy converse to each social ear; Well pleased, and pleasing, in our cottage rest, Till good Telemachus accepts his guest With genial gifts, and change of fair attires, And safe conveys thee where thy soul desires. ” “ O gracious Jove! Reward this stranger’s hospitable love! Who knows the son of sorrow to relieve, Cheers the sad heart, nor lets affliction grieve. Of all the ills unhappy mortals know, A life of wanderings is the greatest woe; On all their weary ways wait care and pain, And pine and penury, a meagre train. To such a man since harbour you afford, Relate the farther fortunes of your lord; What cares his mother’s tender breast engage, And sire forsaken on the verge of age; Beneath the sun prolong they yet their breath, Or range the house of darkness and of death? ””
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