“Each man delights in the work that suits him best.”
XIV. 228 (tr. Robert Fagles).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
Source: The Odyssey
Quotes from work
The Odyssey (Cowper)
Homér
Original title
Ὀδύσσεια
The Odyssey is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is, in part, a sequel to the Iliad, the other Homeric epic. The Odyssey is fundamental to the modern Western canon; it is the second-oldest extant work of Western literature, while the Iliad is the oldest. Scholars believe the Odyssey was composed near the end of the 8th century BC, somewhere in Ionia, the Greek coastal region of Anatolia.The poem mainly focuses on the Greek hero Odysseus , king of Ithaca, and his journey home after the fall of Troy. It takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the ten-year Trojan War. In his absence, it is assumed Odysseus has died, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a group of unruly suitors, the Mnesteres or Proci, who compete for Penelope's hand in marriage.
“Be still my heart; thou hast known worse than this.”
Variant: Be strong, saith my heart; I am a soldier;
I have seen worse sights than this.
Source: The Odyssey
“Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile”
XIV. 463–466 (tr. Alexander Pope).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
Context: Tis sweet to play the fool in time and place,
And wine can of their wits the wise beguile,
Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile,
The grave in merry measures frisk about,
And many a long-repented word bring out.
XIX. 592–594 (tr. Robert Fagles).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
“As when in harp and song adept, a bard
Unlab'ring strains the chord to a new lyre.”
XXI. 406–407 (tr. William Cowper).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
“Bear up, old heart! You've borne worse, far worse…”
XX. 18 (tr. Robert Fagles).
: Bear up, my soul, a little longer yet;
A little longer to thy purpose cling!
Source: Odyssey (c. 725 BC), P. S. Worsley's translation:
XXIV. 485–486 (tr. Robert Fagles).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
VIII. 329–331 (tr. Alexander Pope).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
“Well then, what shall I go through first,
what shall I save for last?”
IX. 14 (tr. Robert Fagles)
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
