Thus did he speak, and they did
even as he had said, and yoked the fleet horses to the chariot. The
housekeeper packed them up a provision of bread, wine, and sweetmeats
fit for the sons of princes. Then Telemakhos got into the chariot,
while Peisistratos gathered up the reins and took his seat beside
him. He lashed the horses on and they flew forward nothing loath into
the open country, leaving the high citadel of
Pylos behind them. All
that day did they travel, swaying the yoke upon their necks till the
sun went down and darkness was over all the land. Then they reached
Pherai where Diokles lived, who was son to Ortilokhos and grandson to
Alpheus. Here they passed the night and Diokles entertained them
hospitably. When the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn; appeared,
they again yoked their horses and drove out through the gateway under
the echoing gatehouse. Peisistratos lashed the horses on and they
flew forward nothing loath; presently they came to the wheat lands of
the open country, and in the course of time completed their journey,
so well did their steeds take them.
Now when the sun had set and
darkness was over the land,