Armand D'Angour (Professor of Classics at Oxford University and Fellow of Jesus College) gives his take on Chrisopher Nolan's Odyssey and (more to the point) talks about the poem and the poet. Along the way we talk about Emily Wilson's blistering review (which is where the title of this episode comes from). And Armand gives some readings from the poem including this gem of a translation by Alexander Pope (lightly reworked by Armand):
Abandoned in neglect poor Argos lay,
unhoused, uncared for, on the public way;
and where the heaps of rank manure were spread
a-swarm with fleas, he made his filthy bed.
As they conversing to the city drew,
the faithful dog his ancient master knew:
and recognising well his voice and tread,
pricked up his ears and raised his heavy head.
Seeing Odysseus, him he strove to meet,
and tried in vain to crawl and lick his feet;
but strength alone he had to wag his tail
to greet his master, though to no avail.
Deep pity touched Odysseus to his soul,
and down his cheek a tear unbidden stole;
but unperceived he turned his head, and dried
the falling drop, while silently he cried.
"What sorry beast in this abandoned state,”
he asks, “lies helpless at Odysseus’ gate?
His bulk and beauty speak no vulgar praise.
I warrant such a hound saw better days.”
To him the older man his head inclined
and said: “He served one of a noble kind –
now long since perished on a distant shore –
who will, alas, behold him nevermore.
You should have seen dear Argos bold and young,
swift as a stag, and as a lion strong!
Now time has sapped him, with his master lost
and many years on stormy oceans tossed."
So said Eumaeus, and strode on ahead;
and faithful Argos dropped his tired head.
Though twenty long and dismal years had passed,
he’d lived to see his lord again at last.
Now night descends upon his weary eyes:
he wags his feeble tail for joy, and dies.
