At those words
a black cloud of grief came shrouding over Laertes.
Both hands clawing the ground for dirt and grime,
he poured it over his grizzled head, sobbing, in spasms.
Odysseus’ heart shuddered, a sudden twinge went shooting up
through his nostrils, watching his dear father struggle…
He sprang toward him, kissed him, hugged him.
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 24, lines 352-358. Odysseus lies to his father Laertes, telling him that he is from Sicily but five years before had befriended Odysseus and hadn’t seen him since. In an act of despair Laertes pours dirt over his head and sobs and shakes. Odysseus feels guilty for prolonging his father’s pain and he finally puts him out of his misery. Revealing himself, Odysseus kisses and embraces Laertes as his son.