"Just think of all the hospitality we enjoyed
at the hands of other men before we made it home,
and god save us from such hard treks in years to come.
Quick, unhitch their team. And bring them in,
strangers, guests, to share our flowing feast."
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 39-42. Menelaus provides an insight into the highly valued ancient Greek practice of xenia: the law of offering hospitality to strangers. Having been treated well himself by his hosts, Menelaus in turn wants to treat his own guests well. He instructs Eteoneus, his aide-in-arms, to bring in Telemachus and Pisistratus to share in their feast.