Telemachus asks a customer for their identification.

156. On the other hand, Telemachus spoke to Athena, whose eyes shone brightly.

157 Lean closer so that others cannot hear.

158 "Dear guest, would you mind if I say something, even if it might upset you?"

159 The suitors are only concerned with music and singing.

160 It's a carefree attitude. They are living off other people's livelihoods without any repayment.

161 The bones of that person may be decaying from being exposed to rain.

162 Whether lying on the ground, or being rolled by the waves of the sea.

163. If those people were to see that person return to Itake,

164 Everyone would wish their feet were lighter.

165. Rather than wishing to have more money and clothing.

166 But now, that person has passed away under a terrible fate. We have no consolation.

167 Even if someone from among the people on Earth says they will return.

168 The day of that person's return has already been lost.

169 Now, please talk to me and answer honestly.

170 Who are you, and where are you from? Where is your town, and where do your parents live?

171 What kind of ship did you come here on? How do the sailors...?

172 Did you bring me to Itake? What did they say about themselves?

173 I can't believe you walked all the way here.

174 Please tell me the truth about this as well; I really want to know.

175 Are you new to this place, or are you a long-time guest of my father?

176. In my home, many people visited as guests.

177 Because even his father was a person who went around visiting people."

Simple Japanese

Telemachus tells Athena that the suitors are consuming his father's property and enjoying themselves with feasts. Telemachus begins to think that his father may not return. Thinking this, Telemachus asks about the identities and purposes of visit of the guests in a way that only others cannot hear.

Translation note:

• The Suitors: Those who are staying at Odysseus's house. Telemachus criticizes them for consuming his father's property while enjoying songs and the lyre.
• Living off others: Words used by Telemachus to criticize the behavior of the suitors, implying that they are using up the resources of the household without contributing anything in return while the master is away.
• Bones: Telemachus expresses doubt about his father's death and suggests that if the bones were on land, they would have decayed by now; if they were at sea, they would be scattered by the waves.
• The day of return: The day when Odysseus returns to his homeland. Telemachus laments that this day has been lost.
• Sailors: Telemachus asks the sailors who transported the guests to Ithaka what names they used for themselves.
• Father's old acquaintances: One of the identities that Telemachus inquires about from the guests, referring to people who were familiar with his father because Odysseus often visited others, so it was common for his former associates to visit their house.