Simple Japanese

Nestor continued, "When the Achaeans attacked and captured Priam's high city, they boarded ships, but Zeus scattered them. At that time, Zeus intended a disastrous return for the Achaeans. Because not all of them were wise or righteous, many encountered the devastating wrath of the goddess with gleaming eyes, and met an evil fate. The goddess caused strife between the two sons of Atreus."

The two gathered a meeting as the sun was setting, in a state of disorder. The Achaean forces, drunk on wine, were talking about why they had assembled their army. Menelaus urged everyone to return home across the sea. Agamemnon opposed this and tried to keep the army together, intending to offer a sacred hecatomb to appease Athena's terrifying wrath. Foolishly, they did not know that the goddess would not listen. The hearts of the immortal gods do not change easily.

When the two men exchanged harsh words, the Achaean forces rose up with a cry of astonishment, and their opinions were divided. During the night, we each considered strategies against one another in our hearts, because Zeus had prepared a disaster. At dawn, some lowered their ships into the sea, loading them with baggage and women who tightened their waistbands. Half of the army remained with Agamemnon, while the other half boarded the ships and set sail. The gods calmed the great sea, so the ships sailed quickly.

We arrived at Tenedos, and while longing to return home, we offered sacrifices to the gods. However, Zeus had not yet allowed our return. The merciless god instigated another conflict. Some of us returned in ships to King Odysseus, intending to once again aid Agamemnon. I knew that the gods were plotting disaster, so I fled with a group of ships. Diomedes also urged his companions to escape.

The blonde Menelaus caught up with us. We were discussing the long route, whether to go through the rugged upper part of Chios Island, keeping Pheria on our left, or along the lower side of the island, following Mount Mimas, when we sought a sign from the gods. The god indicated that we should cross the sea towards Euboea and avoid disaster by staying in the middle of the ocean. A clear wind blew, and the ship quickly advanced through a route rich with fish, arriving at Geraistos during the night. Having crossed the great sea, we offered many bull's legs to Poseidon. On the fourth day, Diomedes' companions anchored their ships near Argos, and I headed towards Pyrrhus. Since the god blew it, the wind has not stopped.

Thus, I have returned, my beloved child. You know nothing of who among the Achaeans survived and who lost their lives. What I heard in the hall, I will tell you. I hide nothing that is proper for you to know. The Myrmidons, wielding spears, safely returned under the leadership of Achilles' glorious son. Also, Poias's son Pylotes was safe. King Idomeus brought back all his comrades who had avoided battle, and no one was captured at sea.

You, who are far away, must have heard about Atreus's son. You know how he returned and how Aigisthus plotted his terrible death. But Aigisthus received a dreadful punishment. It is good that a son remains after the father dies. That son avenged himself on Aigisthus, the scheming murderer of his father. My friend, you are also beautiful and tall, so be courageous. May future generations praise you."

The thoughtful Telemachus replied, "Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Achaeans. Indeed, that man will exact revenge, and the Achaeans will pass down his fame to future generations. I wish that the gods would grant me such power as well. May they give me the strength to inflict terrible retribution upon those suitors who have insulted me and plotted reckless schemes. However, the gods have not granted either my father or myself such good fortune. For now, there is nothing left for me but to endure."