ODYSSEUS: I put on a face of indifference…did I not do it well, sweet Eurycleia?
EURYCLEIA: (adoringly) Yes, my lord.
ODYSSEUS: But in sooth…(turns to EURYCLEIA) This is Penelope, my wife, my one true love! How can she shun me in this manner? (sinking down to put his head in his hands) If she knew the trials I have been put through to return to her, she would not be so harsh. (turning to EURYCLEIA again) Tell me, Eurycleia…they say that Penelope has been faithful to me. Is it true? It is not that I doubt her fidelity, but…(he trails off.)
EURYCLEIA: (turns ODYSSEUS' head front and continues washing. She speaks carefully.) She…has not been with any man, my lord. But…(EURYCLEIA says this last word softly, looking into the distance. ODYSSEUS pays her no mind.)
ODYSSEUS: Then what have I done? My Penelope's heart is hardened to me. She will not even look at my face. What must I do to win her heart again? (turns to EURYCLEIA) Eurycleia, what would you say?
EURYCLEIA: (firmly turning ODYSSEUS' head front) Only that I have nothing to say. I was but a servant when you left, and a servant I remain. I am not so bold as you may think, my lord. You ask too much.
(ODYSSEUS splutters as he moves to get up. EURYCLEIA quickly brings a sheet-like piece of cloth from the shadows and holds it in front of the washtub. ODYESSEUS gets out and wraps the cloth around himself. Then he grasps EURYCLEIA'S hands.)
ODYSSEUS: You nursed me as an infant, Eurycleia. You cared for both Penelope and me as children here. You have been Penelope's trusted friend in my absence. I value your advice deeply.
EURYCLEIA: (EURYCLEIA is dressing ODYSSEUS in classic draping clothes. She fusses over him, brushing his hair, etc.) Then I may have the words to speak. Penelope is frightened.
ODYSSEUS: (interrupting) Frightened? Of me?
EURYCLEIA: Hush, my lord. Penelope is frightened of you, yes, for two reasons. She is not certain that you are who you claim to be. She as waited so long, I daresay she had lost all hope of seeing you alive again. The first thing you must do is convince her that you are, in fact, Odysseus. And if she finds that you speak the truth, she is frightened that you will have changed too much to love. So you must calm her with quiet, loving words.
ODYSSEUS: (passionately) I would do anything in my power to win her love.
EURYCLEIA: Then go to her patiently, and let her heart take its course.
ODYSSEUS: Thank you, Eurycleia. You are my most faithful and beloved servant.
EURYCLEIA: (looks down) I am most undeserving, my lord. (firmly, looking at ODYSSEUS.) Now go to Penelope. She has waited too long for you to delay.
(ODYSSEUS darts forward and kisses her on the cheek. Then he nervously smoothes out his tunic and walks out of the light. The spotlight goes out and the screen over the fire is pulled up. Lights up, dim. PENELOPE is sitting in her chair again, and ODYSSEUS enters to sit in his. EURYCLEIA enters behind him and quietly stands in the corner.)