The Odyssey by Homer Book 24 Page 18

tapestry; I also gave him twelve cloaks of single fold, twelve rugs, twelve fair mantles, and an equal number of shirts. To all this I added four good looking women skilled in all useful arts, and I let him take his choice.”

His father shed tears and answered, “Sir, you have indeed come to the country that you have named, but it is fallen into the hands of wicked people. All this wealth of presents has been given to no purpose. If you could have found your friend here alive in Ithaca, he would have entertained you hospitably and would have requited your presents amply when you left him — as would have been only right considering what you had already given him. But tell me, and tell me true, how many years is it since you entertained this guest — my unhappy son, as ever was? Alas! He has perished far