nnn i Beaaaeeaee4 aaa aeaeaea=a ATHENA: By her wits she has survived. You chose a clever wife to match your clever self. But let us cease this tlk as time is short. I will rurn you into a beggar so that none may know you. Telemachus is near, and I will bring him to you. NARRATOR I: And with that, Athena changes Odysseus into an old and feeble man with gray hair and a tat- tered cloak, » SCENE 11° NARRATOR 2: Odysseus obeys the goddess and begins the long walk to his palace. But walking is slow for him now that he is an old man, and people look at him with sympathy as he makes his way down the dire road. NARRATOR I: Suddenly, as he nears the marble columns of his porch, he is overcome with emotion and ‘weeps into his hands. Nearby, a herdsman with an old dog sees the beggar and goes toward him. The dog breaks away from the herdsman and, wagging his tail, rushes up to Odysseus, who recognizes his favorite hunting dog, Argus. ODYSSEUS: What a fine dog you have there. Who is his master? HERDSMAN: Never have I seen him welcome a stranger in such a way. I am his master, but long ago, he had another. His master was the man of this great home. But he went off to war and hasn't returned. It has been ewenty years, but che lady of the house still waits for his homecoming. Sir, is there anything I can help you with? ‘ODYSSEUS: I have traveled many miles and wish for some food to warm my belly and a place to rest my head. HERDSMAN: The lady Penelope would be vexed if you were turned away. Come with me and I will show you inside. There, many ungrateful men are living off the wealth of my absent king, and a grateful man would be a welcome change. Soon I must take in their food for the evening. NARRATOR 2: And the man takes the beggar up to the portico where Odysseus steps onto his own doorstep. NARRATOR I: Inside they can hear the sounds of men. arguing and laughing and demanding this or that from the servants. Odysseus ctinges. ODYSSEUS: How long have these men been here? HERDSMAN: Four long years. Soon they will have eaten all the extra grain that was laid aside for hard times. Come inside and rest yourselé ODYSSEUS: This is the great hall where they camp out. What a mess they have made of SUITOR: What? A beggar? Dont spoil our feasting with your presence. Ha! Ha! Ha! SUITOR 2: There are other homes to visit. Continue down the road, Ha! Ha! Hal NARRATOR 2: From the shadows behind a column