Eumaeus answered, “He speaks as a man should. He wants to avoid the suitors’ bullying. He asks you to wait until sunset. Indeed it is better for you too, queen, to speak with him alone and hear his word.” Penelope said, “The stranger is no fool. It may well be as he thinks. Among mortal men there are none so wanton as these.”
When she had spoken, the loyal swineherd went among the suitors. He spoke quickly in Telemachus’s ear so none of the others heard: “Friend, I am going out to guard the pigs and everything there. These are your cares. Keep yourself safe first, and watch that nothing is taken from the house. Farewell.” Telemachus answered, “So be it, father. Go after you have eaten.”
So Eumaeus sat down again. When he had filled himself with food and drink he left for the pigs, leaving the courts and the hall full of feasters. They turned to dance and song, for evening had already come.