50 POINTS
Which theme is represented in this excerpt from Book 24 of the Odyssey?
"In vain old Mentor's form the god belied;
'Twas Heaven that struck, and Heaven was on his side."
A sudden horror all the assembly shook,
When slowly rising, Halitherses spoke
(Reverend and wise, whose comprehensive view
At once the present and the future knew):
"Me too, ye fathers, hear! from you proceed
The ills ye mourn; your own the guilty deed.
Ye gave your sons, your lawless sons, the rein
(Oft warn'd by Mentor and myself in vain);
An absent hero's bed they sought to soil,
An absent hero's wealth they made their spoil;
Immoderate riot, and intemperate lust!
The offence was great, the punishment was just.
Weigh then my counsels in an equal scale,
Nor rush to ruin. Justice will prevail."
1. suffering
2. deception
3. loyalty
4. piety
5. tradition
