RHAPSODY Ρ
When Telemachus arrived at the palace the next day, he was welcomed with relief by Eurycleia and immediately after by Penelope. Telemachus recounted in detail everything he had learned from Menelaus to his mother, but without mentioning his match with Odysseus.
At the same time, Eumaeus and Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, entered the palace, where the king of Ithaca had seen about twenty years ago. At the entrance of the palace Odysseus saw an old dog that seemed to know him. It was none other than his faithful dog Argo, who even after so many years was looking for his master. Argos made a futile attempt to jump into Odysseus's arms but was drained of strength, which brought tears of emotion to Odysseus' eyes as he found his beloved friend waiting for him at the entrance to his house.
As the two men entered the main hall of the palace, the suitors began to taunt Eumaeus and the newly arrived beggar by throwing all sorts of leftovers at him. Antinous even threw a heavy stool at the beggar with force that shook Odysseus' balance, causing him severe pain. Telemachus was enraged at the sneaky blow but did not react but only clenched his fists, following his father's plan and orders.
After a while, Penelope turned from Eumaeus to bring her the beggar who came from afar, to ask him if he knew anything about the fate of her beloved Odysseus. Odysseus decided that their meeting would take place that same night.