So they spoke to one another. Meanwhile Eurynome and the nurse made the soft bed ready with blankets under blazing torches. When they had spread the solid bed, the old nurse went back to her room, and Eurynome led them to bed holding a torch. When she had brought them to the chamber she went back. Gladly then they came to the rite of their own old bed. Telemachus and the cowherd and the swineherd stopped their dancing and the women, and themselves lay down to sleep in the shadowy halls.
When the two had had their fill of the joy of love, they took pleasure in stories, telling them to one another. She told of all she had endured in the halls, watching the destructive throng of suitors who on her account had slaughtered many cattle and fat sheep, and drunk much wine. Godlike Odysseus told of all the troubles he had brought on men, and all the sorrow he himself had endured. He told it all — and she listened with delight, and sleep did not fall upon her eyelids until he had told it all.
He began with the Cicones and the Lotus-eaters; the Cyclops and his vengeance for his eaten companions; Aeolus and the storm that caught him again; the Laestrygonians who destroyed his ships — he alone escaped. He told of Circe; of Hades, where he saw his companions and his mother; of the Sirens, the Wandering Rocks, Charybdis and Scylla; of the cattle of the Sun and Zeus's thunderbolt that wrecked his ship. He told of Calypso on Ogygia, who never persuaded his heart; and of the Phaeacians, who sent him home with bronze and gold and clothing. This was the last tale he told as sweet sleep overcame him.
Then Athena roused Dawn from Ocean. Odysseus rose and charged his wife: Wife, we have both had our fill of trials — you weeping here, I held back by the gods from my country. Now take charge of what property remains. As for the flocks the suitors wasted, I shall raid for many, and the Achaeans will give others until the folds are full. But I am going to the farm to see my father, who has been troubled for me without cease. With the rising sun the news of the suitors I killed will go abroad. You go upstairs with your women and sit; look on no one, and ask no questions.
He spoke, and put his beautiful armor about his shoulders. He woke Telemachus and the cowherd and the swineherd, and told them all to take weapons of war in their hands. They did not disobey; they armed themselves in bronze. They opened the doors and went out; Odysseus led. By now light was over the earth; but Athena hid them in night and quickly led them out of the city.