Odyssey 4.30 · Book 4, line 30
Menelaus, greatly vexed, replies
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τὸν δὲ μέγʼ ὀχθήσας προσέφη ξανθὸς Μενέλαος·
Then, greatly vexed, fair-haired Menelaus addressed him:
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The setting
Eteoneus has just asked whether to receive the strangers or send them elsewhere. This single line introduces Menelaus's reply, which continues past this block.
A note on this passage
One line of narration turns the reply over to the host. Fair-haired Menelaus, stung by his squire's question, is about to answer — the formula μέγʼ ὀχθήσας, ‘greatly vexed,’ warning that a reproach is coming.
The vexation is pointed. Menelaus, of all men, knows what it is to depend on a stranger's welcome; his own long homeward wandering hangs over this house. That a servant of his could even weigh sending guests away offends the memory of his exile, and his coming speech will make the lesson plain.
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Odyssey 4.30 — The Great Library Project interlinear edition · greatlibraryproject.com/book/odyssey/4.30/