Odyssey

Pallas, the Goddess with the sparkling eyes,

τῇ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπὶ φρεσὶ θῆκε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη,

Excites Penelope t' object the prize,

κούρῃ Ἰκαρίοιο, περίφρονι Πηνελοπείῃ,

The bow and bright steels, to the Wooers' strength

τόξον μνηστήρεσσι θέμεν πολιόν τε σίδηρον

And here began the strife and blood at length.

ἐν μεγάροις Ὀδυσῆος, ἀέθλια καὶ φόνου ἀρχήν.

She first ascended by a lofty stair

κλίμακα δʼ ὑψηλὴν προσεβήσετο οἷο δόμοιο,

Her utmost chamber; of whose door her fair

εἵλετο δὲ κληῗδʼ εὐκαμπέα χειρὶ παχείῃ

And half transparent hand receiv'd the key,

καλὴν χαλκείην· κώπη δʼ ἐλέφαντος ἐπῆεν.

Bright, brazen, bitted passing curiously,

βῆ δʼ ἴμεναι θάλαμόνδε σὺν ἀμφιπόλοισι γυναιξὶν

And at it hung a knob of ivory.

ἔσχατον· ἔνθα δέ οἱ κειμήλια κεῖτο ἄνακτος,

And this did lead her where was strongly kept

χαλκός τε χρυσός τε πολύκμητός τε σίδηρος.

The treasure-royal; in whose store lay heapt

ἔνθα δὲ τόξον κεῖτο παλίντονον ἠδὲ φαρέτρη

Gold, brass, and steel, engrav'n with infinite art;

ἰοδόκος, πολλοὶ δʼ ἔνεσαν στονόεντες ὀϊστοί,

The crooked bow, and arrowy quiver, part

δῶρα τά οἱ ξεῖνος Λακεδαίμονι δῶκε τυχήσας

Of that rich magazine. In the quiver were

Ἴφιτος Εὐρυτίδης, ἐπιείκελος ἀθανάτοισι.

Arrows a number, sharp and sighing gear.

τὼ δʼ ἐν Μεσσήνῃ ξυμβλήτην ἀλλήλοιϊν

The bow was giv'n by kind Eurytides

οἴκῳ ἐν Ὀρτιλόχοιο δαΐφρονος. ἦ τοι Ὀδυσσεὺς

Iphitus, fashion'd like the Deities,

ἦλθε μετὰ χρεῖος, τό ῥά οἱ πᾶς δῆμος ὄφελλε·

To young Ulysses, when within the roof

μῆλα γὰρ ἐξ Ἰθάκης Μεσσήνιοι ἄνδρες ἄειραν

Of wise Orsilochus their pass had proof

νηυσὶ πολυκλήϊσι τριηκόσιʼ ἠδὲ νομῆας.

Of mutual meeting in Messena; where

τῶν ἕνεκʼ ἐξεσίην πολλὴν ὁδὸν ἦλθεν Ὀδυσσεὺς

Ulysses claim'd a debt, to whose pay were

παιδνὸς ἐών· πρὸ γὰρ ἧκε πατὴρ ἄλλοι τε γέροντες.

The whole Messenian people bound, since they

Ἴφιτος αὖθʼ ἵππους διζήμενος, αἵ οἱ ὄλοντο

From Ithaca had forc'd a wealthy prey

δώδεκα θήλειαι, ὑπὸ δʼ ἡμίονοι ταλαεργοί·

Of sheep and shepherds. In their ships they thrust

αἳ δή οἱ καὶ ἔπειτα φόνος καὶ μοῖρα γένοντο,

Three hundred sheep together; for whose just

ἐπεὶ δὴ Διὸς υἱὸν ἀφίκετο καρτερόθυμον,

And instant rendry old Laertes sent

φῶθʼ Ἡρακλῆα, μεγάλων ἐπιίστορα ἔργων,

Ulysses his ambassador, that went

ὅς μιν ξεῖνον ἐόντα κατέκτανεν ᾧ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ,

A long way in the ambassy, yet then

σχέτλιος, οὐδὲ θεῶν ὄπιν ᾐδέσατʼ οὐδὲ τράπεζαν,

Bore but the foremost prime of youngest men;

τὴν ἥν οἱ παρέθηκεν· ἔπειτα δὲ πέφνε καὶ αὐτόν,

His father sending first to that affair

ἵππους δʼ αὐτὸς ἔχε κρατερώνυχας ἐν μεγάροισι.

His gravest counsellors, and then his heir.

τὰς ἐρέων Ὀδυσῆϊ συνήντετο, δῶκε δὲ τόξον,

Iphitus made his way there, having lost

τὸ πρὶν μέν ῥʼ ἐφόρει μέγας Εὔρυτος, αὐτὰρ ὁ παιδὶ

Twelve female horse, and mules commended most

κάλλιπʼ ἀποθνῄσκων ἐν δώμασιν ὑψηλοῖσι.

For use of burthen; which were after cause

τῷ δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς ξίφος ὀξὺ καὶ ἄλκιμον ἔγχος ἔδωκεν,

Of death and fate to him; for, past all laws

ἀρχὴν ξεινοσύνης προσκηδέος· οὐδὲ τραπέζῃ

Of hospitality, Jove's mighty son,

γνώτην ἀλλήλων· πρὶν γὰρ Διὸς υἱὸς ἔπεφνεν

Skill'd in great acts, was his confusion

Ἴφιτον Εὐρυτίδην, ἐπιείκελον ἀθανάτοισιν,

Close by his house, though at that time his guest,

ὅς οἱ τόξον ἔδωκε. τὸ δʼ οὔ ποτε δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

Respecting neither the apposéd feast,

ἐρχόμενος πόλεμόνδε μελαινάων ἐπὶ νηῶν

And hospitable table, that in love

ᾑρεῖτʼ, ἀλλʼ αὐτοῦ μνῆμα ξείνοιο φίλοιο

He set before him, nor the voice of Jove,

κέσκετʼ ἐνὶ μεγάροισι, φόρει δέ μιν ἧς ἐπὶ γαίης.

But, seizing first his mares, he after slew

ἡ δʼ ὅτε δὴ θάλαμον τὸν ἀφίκετο δῖα γυναικῶν

His host himself. From those mares' search now grew

οὐδόν τε δρύϊνον προσεβήσετο, τόν ποτε τέκτων

Ulysses known t' Iphitus; who that bow

ξέσσεν ἐπισταμένως καὶ ἐπὶ στάθμην ἴθυνεν,

At their encounter did in love bestow,

ἐν δὲ σταθμοὺς ἄρσε, θύρας δʼ ἐπέθηκε φαεινάς,

Which great Eurytus' hand had borne before,

αὐτίκʼ ἄρʼ ἥ γʼ ἱμάντα θοῶς ἀπέλυσε κορώνης,

(Iphitus' father) who, at death's sad door,

ἐν δὲ κληῗδʼ ἧκε, θυρέων δʼ ἀνέκοπτεν ὀχῆας

In his steep turrets, left it to his son.

ἄντα τιτυσκομένη· τὰ δʼ ἀνέβραχεν ἠΰτε ταῦρος

Ulysses gave him a keen falchion,

βοσκόμενος λειμῶνι· τόσʼ ἔβραχε καλὰ θύρετρα

And mighty lance. And thus began they there

πληγέντα κληΐδι, πετάσθησαν δέ οἱ ὦκα.

Their fatal loves; for after never were

ἡ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐφʼ ὑψηλῆς σανίδος βῆ· ἔνθα δὲ χηλοὶ

Their mutual tables to each other known,

ἕστασαν, ἐν δʼ ἄρα τῇσι θυώδεα εἵματʼ ἔκειτο.

Because Jove's son th' unworthy part had shown

ἔνθεν ὀρεξαμένη ἀπὸ πασσάλου αἴνυτο τόξον

Of slaughtering this God-like loving man,

αὐτῷ γωρυτῷ, ὅς οἱ περίκειτο φαεινός.

Eurytus' son, who with that bow began

And ended love t' Ulysses; who so dear

A gift esteem'd it, that he would not bear

In his black fleet that guest-rite to the war,

But, in fit memory of one so far

In his affection, brought it home, and kept

His treasure with it; where till now it slept.

And now the Queen of women had intent

To give it use, and therefore made ascent

Up all the stairs' height to the chamber door,

Whose shining leaves two bright pilasters bore

To such a close when both together went

It would resist the air in their consent.

The ring she took then, and did draw aside

A bar that ran within, and then implied

The key into the lock, which gave a sound,

The bolt then shooting, as in pasture ground

A bull doth low, and make the valleys ring;

So loud the lock humm'd when it loos'd the spring,

ἑζομένη δὲ κατʼ αὖθι, φίλοις ἐπὶ γούνασι θεῖσα,

And ope the doors flew. In she went, along

κλαῖε μάλα λιγέως, ἐκ δʼ ᾕρεε τόξον ἄνακτος.

The lofty chamber, that was boarded strong

ἡ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν τάρφθη πολυδακρύτοιο γόοιο,

With heart of oak, which many years ago

βῆ ῥʼ ἴμεναι μέγαρόνδε μετὰ μνηστῆρας ἀγαυοὺς

The architect did smooth and polish so

τόξον ἔχουσʼ ἐν χειρὶ παλίντονον ἠδὲ φαρέτρην

That now as then he made it freshly shine,

ἰοδόκον· πολλοὶ δʼ ἔνεσαν στονόεντες ὀϊστοί.

And tried the evenness of it with a line.

τῇ δʼ ἄρʼ ἅμʼ ἀμφίπολοι φέρον ὄγκιον, ἔνθα σίδηρος

There stood in this room presses that enclos'd

κεῖτο πολὺς καὶ χαλκός, ἀέθλια τοῖο ἄνακτος.

Robes odoriferous, by which repos'd

ἡ δʼ ὅτε δὴ μνηστῆρας ἀφίκετο δῖα γυναικῶν,

The bow was upon pins; nor from it far

στῆ ῥα παρὰ σταθμὸν τέγεος πύκα ποιητοῖο,

Hung the round quiver glitt'ring like a star;

ἄντα παρειάων σχομένη λιπαρὰ κρήδεμνα.

Both which her white extended hand took down.

ἀμφίπολος δʼ ἄρα οἱ κεδνὴ ἑκάτερθε παρέστη.

Then sat she low, and made her lap a crown

αὐτίκα δὲ μνηστῆρσι μετηύδα καὶ φάτο μῦθον·

Of both these relics, which she wept to see,

κέκλυτέ μευ, μνηστῆρες ἀγήνορες, οἳ τόδε δῶμα

And cried quite out with loving memory

ἐχράετʼ ἐσθιέμεν καὶ πινέμεν ἐμμενὲς αἰεὶ

Of her dear lord; to whose worth paying then

ἀνδρὸς ἀποιχομένοιο πολὺν χρόνον· οὐδέ τινʼ ἄλλην

Kind debts enow, she left, and, to the men

μύθου ποιήσασθαι ἐπισχεσίην ἐδύνασθε,

Vow'd to her wooing, brought the crooked bow,

ἀλλʼ ἐμὲ ἱέμενοι γῆμαι θέσθαι τε γυναῖκα.

And shaft-receiving quiver, that did flow

ἀλλʼ ἄγετε, μνηστῆρες, ἐπεὶ τόδε φαίνετʼ ἄεθλον.

With arrows beating sighs up where they fell.

θήσω γὰρ μέγα τόξον Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο·

Then, with another chest, replete as well

ὃς δέ κε ῥηΐτατʼ ἐντανύσῃ βιὸν ἐν παλάμῃσι

With games won by the King, of steel and brass,

καὶ διοϊστεύσῃ πελέκεων δυοκαίδεκα πάντων,

Her maids attended. Past whom making pass

τῷ κεν ἅμʼ ἑσποίμην, νοσφισσαμένη τόδε δῶμα

To where her Wooers were, she made her stay

κουρίδιον, μάλα καλόν, ἐνίπλειον βιότοιο,

Amidst the fair hall door, and kept the ray

τοῦ ποτὲ μεμνήσεσθαι ὀΐομαι ἔν περ ὀνείρῳ.

Of her bright count'nance hid with veils so thin,

ὣς φάτο, καί ῥʼ Εὔμαιον ἀνώγει, δῖον ὑφορβόν,

That though they seem'd t' expose, they let love in;

τόξον μνηστήρεσσι θέμεν πολιόν τε σίδηρον.

Her maids on both sides stood; and thus she spake:

δακρύσας δʼ Εὔμαιος ἐδέξατο καὶ κατέθηκε·

"Hear me, ye Wooers, that a pleasure take

κλαῖε δὲ βουκόλος ἄλλοθʼ, ἐπεὶ ἴδε τόξον ἄνακτος.

To do me sorrow, and my house invade

Ἀντίνοος δʼ ἐνένιπεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

To eat and drink, as if 'twere only made

νήπιοι ἀγροιῶται, ἐφημέρια φρονέοντες,

To serve your rapines; my lord long away,

ἆ δειλώ, τί νυ δάκρυ κατείβετον ἠδὲ γυναικὶ

And you allow'd no colour for your stay

θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ὀρίνετον; ᾗ τε καὶ ἄλλως

But his still absence; striving who shall frame

κεῖται ἐν ἄλγεσι θυμός, ἐπεὶ φίλον ὤλεσʼ ἀκοίτην.

Me for his wife; and, since 'tis made a game,

ἀλλʼ ἀκέων δαίνυσθε καθήμενοι, ἠὲ θύραζε

I here propose divine Ulysses' bow

κλαίετον ἐξελθόντε, κατʼ αὐτόθι τόξα λιπόντε,

For that great master-piece to which ye vow.

μνηστήρεσσιν ἄεθλον ἀάατον· οὐ γὰρ ὀΐω

He that can draw it with least show to strive,

ῥηϊδίως τόδε τόξον ἐΰξοον ἐντανύεσθαι.

And through these twelve axe-heads an arrow drive,

οὐ γάρ τις μέτα τοῖος ἀνὴρ ἐν τοίσδεσι πᾶσιν

Him will I follow, and this house forego

οἷος Ὀδυσσεὺς ἔσκεν· ἐγὼ δέ μιν αὐτὸς ὄπωπα,

That nourish'd me a maid, now furnish'd so

καὶ γὰρ μνήμων εἰμί, πάϊς δʼ ἔτι νήπιος ἦα.

With all things fit, and which I so esteem

ὣς φάτο, τῷ δʼ ἄρα θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἐώλπει

That I shall still live in it in my dream."

νευρὴν ἐντανύσειν διοϊστεύσειν τε σιδήρου.

This said, she made Eumæus give it them.

ἦ τοι ὀϊστοῦ γε πρῶτος γεύσεσθαι ἔμελλεν

He took and laid it by, and wept for woe;

ἐκ χειρῶν Ὀδυσῆος ἀμύμονος, ὃν τότʼ ἀτίμα

And like him wept Philœtius, when the bow

ἥμενος ἐν μεγάροις, ἐπὶ δʼ ὤρνυε πάντας ἑταίρους.

Of which his king was bearer he beheld.

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειφʼ ἱερὴ ἲς Τηλεμάχοιο·

Their tears Antinous' manhood much refell'd,

ὢ πόποι, ἦ μάλα με Ζεὺς ἄφρονα θῆκε Κρονίων·

And said: "Ye rustic fools! that still each day

μήτηρ μέν μοί φησι φίλη, πινυτή περ ἐοῦσα,

Your minds give over to this vain dismay,

ἄλλῳ ἅμʼ ἕψεσθαι νοσφισσαμένη τόδε δῶμα·

Why weep ye, wretches, and the widow's eyes

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ γελόω καὶ τέρπομαι ἄφρονι θυμῷ.

Tempt with renew'd thought, that would otherwise

ἀλλʼ ἄγετε, μνηστῆρες, ἐπεὶ τόδε φαίνετʼ ἄεθλον,

Depose her sorrows, since her lord is dead,

οἵη νῦν οὐκ ἔστι γυνὴ κατʼ Ἀχαιΐδα γαῖαν,

And tears are idle? Sit, and eat your bread,

οὔτε Πύλου ἱερῆς οὔτʼ Ἄργεος οὔτε Μυκήνης·

Nor whisper more a word; or get ye gone,

And weep without doors. Let this bow alone

To our out-match'd contention. For I fear

The bow will scarce yield draught to any here;

Here no such man lives as Laertes' son

Amongst us all. I knew him; thought puts on

His look's sight now, methinks, though then a child."

Thus show'd his words doubt, yet his hopes instill'd

His strength the stretcher of Ulysses' string,

And his steels' piercer. But his shaft must sing

Through his pierc'd palate first; whom so he wrong'd

In his free roof, and made the rest ill-tongued

Against his virtues. Then the sacred heat

That spirited his son did further set

Their confidence on fire, and said: "O friends,

Jove hath bereft my wits. The Queen intends,

Though I must grant her wise, ere long to leave

Ulysses' court, and to her bed receive

Some other lord; yet, notwithstanding, I

οὔτʼ αὐτῆς Ἰθάκης οὔτʼ ἠπείροιο μελαίνης·

Am forc'd to laugh, and set my pleasures high

καὶ δʼ αὐτοὶ τόδε γʼ ἴστε· τί με χρὴ μητέρος αἴνου;

Like one mad sick. But, Wooers, since ye have

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μὴ μύνῃσι παρέλκετε μηδʼ ἔτι τόξου

An object for your trials now so brave,

δηρὸν ἀποτρωπᾶσθε τανυστύος, ὄφρα ἴδωμεν.

As all the broad Achaian earth exceeds,

καὶ δέ κεν αὐτὸς ἐγὼ τοῦ τόξου πειρησαίμην·

As sacred Pylos, as the Argive breeds,

εἰ δέ κεν ἐντανύσω διοϊστεύσω τε σιδήρου,

As black Epirus, as Mycena's birth,

οὔ κέ μοι ἀχνυμένῳ τάδε δώματα πότνια μήτηρ

And as the more fam'd Ithacensian earth,

λείποι ἅμʼ ἄλλῳ ἰοῦσʼ, ὅτʼ ἐγὼ κατόπισθε λιποίμην

All which, yourselves well know, and oft have said—

οἷός τʼ ἤδη πατρὸς ἀέθλια κάλʼ ἀνελέσθαι.

For what need hath my mother of my aid

ἦ καὶ ἀπʼ ὤμοιϊν χλαῖναν θέτο φοινικόεσσαν

In her advancement?—tender no excuse

ὀρθὸς ἀναΐξας, ἀπὸ δὲ ξίφος ὀξὺ θέτʼ ὤμων.

For least delay, nor too much time profuse

πρῶτον μὲν πελέκεας στῆσεν, διὰ τάφρον ὀρύξας

In stay to draw this bow, but draw it straight,

πᾶσι μίαν μακρήν, καὶ ἐπὶ στάθμην ἴθυνεν,

Shoot, and the steels pierce; make all see how slight

ἀμφὶ δὲ γαῖαν ἔναξε· τάφος δʼ ἕλε πάντας ἰδόντας,

You make these poor bars to so rich a prize.

ὡς εὐκόσμως στῆσε· πάρος δʼ οὐ πώ ποτʼ ὀπώπει.

No eag'rer yet? Come all. My faculties

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ οὐδὸν ἰὼν καὶ τόξου πειρήτιζε.

Shall try the bow's strength, and the piercéd steel.

τρὶς μέν μιν πελέμιξεν ἐρύσσεσθαι μενεαίνων,

I will not for my rev'rend mother feel

τρὶς δὲ μεθῆκε βίης, ἐπιελπόμενος τό γε θυμῷ,

The sorrows that I know will seize my heart,

νευρὴν ἐντανύειν διοϊστεύσειν τε σιδήρου.

To see her follow any, and depart

καί νύ κε δή ῥʼ ἐτάνυσσε βίῃ τὸ τέταρτον ἀνέλκων,

From her so long-held home; but first extend

ἀλλʼ Ὀδυσεὺς ἀνένευε καὶ ἔσχεθεν ἱέμενόν περ.

The bow and arrow to their tender'd end.

τοῖς δʼ αὖτις μετέειφʼ ἱερὴ ἲς Τηλεμάχοιο·

For I am only to succeed my sire

ὢ πόποι, ἦ καὶ ἔπειτα κακός τʼ ἔσομαι καὶ ἄκικυς,

In guard of his games, and let none aspire

ἠὲ νεώτερός εἰμι καὶ οὔ πω χερσὶ πέποιθα

To their besides possession." This said,

ἄνδρʼ ἀπαμύνασθαι, ὅτε τις πρότερος χαλεπήνῃ.

His purple robe he cast off; by he laid

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ, οἵ περ ἐμεῖο βίῃ προφερέστεροί ἐστε,

His well-edg'd sword; and, first, a sev'ral pit

τόξου πειρήσασθε, καὶ ἐκτελέωμεν ἄεθλον.

He digg'd for ev'ry axe, and strengthen'd it

ὣς εἰπὼν τόξον μὲν ἀπὸ ἕο θῆκε χαμᾶζε,

With earth close ramm'd about it; on a rew

κλίνας κολλητῇσιν ἐϋξέστῃς σανίδεσσιν,

Set them, of one height, by a line he drew

αὐτοῦ δʼ ὠκὺ βέλος καλῇ προσέκλινε κορώνῃ,

Along the whole twelve; and so orderly

ἂψ δʼ αὖτις κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετʼ ἐπὶ θρόνου ἔνθεν ἀνέστη.

Did ev'ry deed belonging (yet his eye

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀντίνοος μετέφη, Εὐπείθεος υἱός·

Never before beholding how 'twas done)

ὄρνυσθʼ ἑξείης ἐπιδέξια πάντες ἑταῖροι,

That in amaze rose all his lookers-on.

ἀρξάμενοι τοῦ χώρου ὅθεν τέ περ οἰνοχοεύει.

Then stood he near the door, and prov'd to draw

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀντίνοος, τοῖσιν δʼ ἐπιήνδανε μῦθος.

The stubborn bow. Thrice tried, and thrice gave law

Λειώδης δὲ πρῶτος ἀνίστατο, Οἴνοπος υἱός,

To his uncrown'd attempts; the fourth assay

ὅ σφι θυοσκόος ἔσκε, παρὰ κρητῆρα δὲ καλὸν

With all force off'ring, which a sign gave stay

ἷζε μυχοίτατος αἰέν· ἀτασθαλίαι δέ οἱ οἴῳ

Giv'n by his father; though he show'd a mind

ἐχθραὶ ἔσαν, πᾶσιν δὲ νεμέσσα μνηστήρεσσιν·

As if he stood right heartily inclin'd

ὅς ῥα τότε πρῶτος τόξον λάβε καὶ βέλος ὠκύ.

To perfect the exploit, when all was done

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ οὐδὸν ἰὼν καὶ τόξου πειρήτιζεν,

In only drift to set the Wooers on.

οὐδέ μιν ἐντάνυσε· πρὶν γὰρ κάμε χεῖρας ἀνέλκων

His weakness yet confess'd, he said: "O shame!

ἀτρίπτους ἁπαλάς· μετὰ δὲ μνηστῆρσιν ἔειπεν·

I either shall be ever of no name,

ὦ φίλοι, οὐ μὲν ἐγὼ τανύω, λαβέτω δὲ καὶ ἄλλος.

But prove a wretch; or else I am too young,

πολλοὺς γὰρ τόδε τόξον ἀριστῆας κεκαδήσει

And must not now presume on pow'rs so strong

θυμοῦ καὶ ψυχῆς, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτερόν ἐστι

As sinews yet more growing may engraft,

τεθνάμεν ἢ ζώοντας ἁμαρτεῖν, οὗθʼ ἕνεκʼ αἰεὶ

To turn a man quite over with a shaft.

ἐνθάδʼ ὁμιλέομεν, ποτιδέγμενοι ἤματα πάντα.

Besides, to men whose nerves are best prepar'd,

νῦν μέν τις καὶ ἔλπετʼ ἐνὶ φρεσὶν ἠδὲ μενοινᾷ

All great adventures at first proof are hard.

γῆμαι Πηνελόπειαν, Ὀδυσσῆος παράκοιτιν.

But come, you stronger men, attempt this bow,

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν τόξου πειρήσεται ἠδὲ ἴδηται,

And let us end our labour." Thus, below

ἄλλην δή τινʼ ἔπειτα Ἀχαιϊάδων εὐπέπλων

A well-join'd board he laid it, and close by

μνάσθω ἐέδνοισιν διζήμενος· ἡ δέ κʼ ἔπειτα

The brightly-headed shaft; then thron'd his thigh

γήμαιθʼ ὅς κε πλεῖστα πόροι καὶ μόρσιμος ἔλθοι.

Amidst his late-left seat. Antinous then

Bade all arise; but first, who did sustain

The cup's state ever, and did sacrifice

Before they ate still, and that man bade rise,

Since on the other's right hand he was plac'd,

Because he held the right hand's rising, grac'd

With best success still. This discretion won

Supreme applause; and first rose Œnops' son,

Liodes, that was priest to all the rest,

Sat lowest with the cup still, and their jest

Could never like, but ever was the man

That check'd their follies; and he now began

To taste the bow, the sharp shaft took, tugg'd hard,

And held aloft, and, till he quite had marr'd

His delicate tender fingers, could not stir

The churlish string; who therefore did refer

The game to others, saying, that same bow,

In his presage, would prove the overthrow

Of many a chief man there; nor thought the fate

ὣς ἄρʼ ἐφώνησεν καὶ ἀπὸ ἕο τόξον ἔθηκε,

Was any whit austere, since death's short date

κλίνας κολλητῇσιν ἐϋξέστῃς σανίδεσσιν,

Were much the better taken, than long life

αὐτοῦ δʼ ὠκὺ βέλος καλῇ προσέκλινε κορώνῃ,

Without the object of their amorous strife,

ἂψ δʼ αὖτις κατʼ ἄρ ἕζετʼ ἐπὶ θρόνου ἔνθεν ἀνέστη.

For whom they had burn'd-out so many days

Ἀντίνοος δʼ ἐνένιπεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

To find still other, nothing but delays

Λειῶδες, ποῖόν σε ἔπος φύγεν ἕρκος ὀδόντων,

Obtaining in them; and affirm'd that now

δεινόν τʼ ἀργαλέον τε, —νεμεσσῶμαι δέ τʼ ἀκούων—

Some hop'd to have her, but when that tough bow

εἰ δὴ τοῦτό γε τόξον ἀριστῆας κεκαδήσει

They all had tried, and seen the utmost done,

θυμοῦ καὶ ψυχῆς, ἐπεὶ οὐ δύνασαι σὺ τανύσσαι.

They must rest pleas'd to cease; and now some one

οὐ γάρ τοί σέ γε τοῖον ἐγείνατο πότνια μήτηρ

Of all their other fair-veil'd Grecian dames

οἷόν τε ῥυτῆρα βιοῦ τʼ ἔμεναι καὶ ὀϊστῶν·

With gifts, and dower, and Hymeneal flames,

ἀλλʼ ἄλλοι τανύουσι τάχα μνηστῆρες ἀγαυοί.

Let her love light to him that most will give,

ὣς φάτο, καί ῥʼ ἐκέλευσε Μελάνθιον, αἰπόλον αἰγῶν·

And whom the nuptial destiny did drive.

ἄγρει δή, πῦρ κῆον ἐνὶ μεγάροισι, Μελανθεῦ,

Thus laid he on the well-join'd polish'd board

πὰρ δὲ τίθει δίφρον τε μέγαν καὶ κῶας ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ,

The bow and bright-pil'd shaft, and then restor'd

ἐκ δὲ στέατος ἔνεικε μέγαν τροχὸν ἔνδον ἐόντος,

His seat his right. To him Antinous

ὄφρα νέοι θάλποντες, ἐπιχρίοντες ἀλοιφῇ,

Gave bitter language, and reprov'd him thus:

τόξου πειρώμεσθα καὶ ἐκτελέωμεν ἄεθλον.

"What words, Liodes, pass thy speech's guard,

ὣς φάθʼ, ὁ δʼ αἶψʼ ἀνέκαιε Μελάνθιος ἀκάματον πῦρ,

That 'tis a work to bear, and set so hard

πὰρ δὲ φέρων δίφρον θῆκεν καὶ κῶας ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ,

They set up my disdain! This bow must end

ἐκ δὲ στέατος ἔνεικε μέγαν τροχὸν ἔνδον ἐόντος·

The best of us? Since thy arms cannot lend

τῷ ῥα νέοι θάλποντες ἐπειρῶντʼ· οὐδʼ ἐδύναντο

The string least motion? Thy mother's throes

ἐντανύσαι, πολλὸν δὲ βίης ἐπιδευέες ἦσαν.

Brought never forth thy arms to draught of bows,

Ἀντίνοος δʼ ἔτʼ ἐπεῖχε καὶ Εὐρύμαχος θεοειδής,

Or knitting shafts off. Though thou canst not draw

ἀρχοὶ μνηστήρων· ἀρετῇ δʼ ἔσαν ἔξοχʼ ἄριστοι.

The sturdy plant, thou art to us no law.

τὼ δʼ ἐξ οἴκου βῆσαν ὁμαρτήσαντες ἅμʼ ἄμφω

Melanthius! Light a fire, and set thereat

βουκόλος ἠδὲ συφορβὸς Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο·

A chair and cushions, and that mass of fat

ἐκ δʼ αὐτὸς μετὰ τοὺς δόμου ἤλυθε δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς.

That lies within bring out, that we may set

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἐκτὸς θυρέων ἔσαν ἠδὲ καὶ αὐλῆς,

Our pages to this bow, to see it het

φθεγξάμενός σφε ἔπεσσι προσηύδα μειλιχίοισι·

And suppled with the suet, and then we

βουκόλε καὶ σύ, συφορβέ, ἔπος τί κε μυθησαίμην,

May give it draught, and pay this great decree

ἦ αὐτὸς κεύθω; φάσθαι δέ με θυμὸς ἀνώγει.

Utmost performance." He a mighty fire

ποῖοί κʼ εἶτʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ ἀμυνέμεν, εἴ ποθεν ἔλθοι

Gave instant flame, put into act th' entire

ὧδε μάλʼ ἐξαπίνης καί τις θεὸς αὐτὸν ἐνείκαι;

Command laid on him, chair and cushions set,

ἤ κε μνηστήρεσσιν ἀμύνοιτʼ ἦ Ὀδυσῆϊ;

Laid on the bow, which straight the pages het,

εἴπαθʼ ὅπως ὑμέας κραδίη θυμός τε κελεύει.

Chaf'd, suppled with the suet to their most;

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε βοῶν ἐπιβουκόλος ἀνήρ·

And still was all their unctuous labour lost,

Ζεῦ πάτερ, αἲ γὰρ τοῦτο τελευτήσειας ἐέλδωρ,

All Wooers' strengths too indigent and poor

ὡς ἔλθοι μὲν κεῖνος ἀνήρ, ἀγάγοι δέ ἑ δαίμων·

To draw that bow; Antinous' arms it tore,

γνοίης χʼ οἵη ἐμὴ δύναμις καὶ χεῖρες ἕπονται.

And great Eurymachus', the both clear best,

ὣς δʼ αὔτως Εὔμαιος ἐπεύχετο πᾶσι θεοῖσι

Yet both it tir'd, and made them glad to rest.

νοστῆσαι Ὀδυσῆα πολύφρονα ὅνδε δόμονδε.

Forth then went both the swains, and after them

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ τῶν γε νόον νημερτέʼ ἀνέγνω,

Divine Ulysses; when, being past th' extreme

ἐξαῦτίς σφε ἔπεσσιν ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπεν·

Of all the gates, with winning words he tried

ἔνδον μὲν δὴ ὅδʼ αὐτὸς ἐγώ, κακὰ πολλὰ μογήσας

Their loves, and this ask'd: "Shall my counsels hide

ἤλυθον εἰκοστῷ ἔτεϊ ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν.

Their depths from you? My mind would gladly know

γιγνώσκω δʼ ὡς σφῶϊν ἐελδομένοισιν ἱκάνω

If suddenly Ulysses had his vow

οἴοισι δμώων· τῶν δʼ ἄλλων οὔ τευ ἄκουσα

Made good for home, and had some God to guide

εὐξαμένου ἐμὲ αὖτις ὑπότροπον οἴκαδʼ ἱκέσθαι.

His steps and strokes to wreak these Wooers' pride,

σφῶϊν δʼ, ὡς ἔσεταί περ, ἀληθείην καταλέξω.

Would your aids join on his part, or with theirs?

εἴ χʼ ὑπʼ ἐμοί γε θεὸς δαμάσῃ μνηστῆρας ἀγαυούς,

How stand your hearts affected?" They made pray'rs

ἄξομαι ἀμφοτέροις ἀλόχους καὶ κτήματʼ ὀπάσσω

That some God would please to return their lord,

οἰκία τʼ ἐγγὺς ἐμεῖο τετυγμένα· καί μοι ἔπειτα

He then should see how far they would afford

Τηλεμάχου ἑτάρω τε κασιγνήτω τε ἔσεσθον.

Their lives for his. He, seeing their truth, replied;

εἰ δʼ ἄγε δή, καὶ σῆμα ἀριφραδὲς ἄλλο τι δείξω,

"I am your lord, through many a suff'rance tried,

Arriv'd now here, whom twenty years have held

From forth my country. Yet are not conceal'd

From my sure knowledge your desires to see

My safe return. Of all the company

Now serving here besides, not one but you

Mine ear hath witness'd willing to bestow

Their wishes of my life, so long held dead.

I therefore vow, which shall be perfected,

That if God please beneath my hand to leave

These Wooers lifeless, ye shall both receive

Wives from that hand, and means, and near to me

Have houses built to you, and both shall be

As friends and brothers to my only son.

And, that ye well may know me, and be won

To that assurance, the infallible sign

The white-tooth'd boar gave, this mark'd knee of mine,

When in Parnassus he was held in chase

ὄφρα μʼ ἐῢ γνῶτον πιστωθῆτόν τʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ,

By me, and by my famous grandsire's race,

οὐλήν, τήν ποτέ με σῦς ἤλασε λευκῷ ὀδόντι

I'll let you see." Thus sever'd he his weed

Παρνησόνδʼ ἐλθόντα σὺν υἱάσιν Αὐτολύκοιο.

From that his wound; and ev'ry word had deed

ὣς εἰπὼν ῥάκεα μεγάλης ἀποέργαθεν οὐλῆς.

In their sure knowledges. Which made them cast

τὼ δʼ ἐπεὶ εἰσιδέτην εὖ τʼ ἐφράσσαντο ἕκαστα,

Their arms about him, his broad breast embrac'd,

κλαῖον ἄρʼ ἀμφʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ δαΐφρονι χεῖρε βαλόντε,

His neck and shoulders kiss'd. And him as well

καὶ κύνεον ἀγαπαζόμενοι κεφαλήν τε καὶ ὤμους

Did those true pow'rs of human love compell

ὣς δʼ αὔτως Ὀδυσεὺς κεφαλὰς καὶ χεῖρας ἔκυσσε.

To kiss their heads and hands, and to their moan

καί νύ κʼ ὀδυρομένοισιν ἔδυ φάος ἠελίοιο,

Had sent the free light of the cheerful sun,

εἰ μὴ Ὀδυσσεὺς αὐτὸς ἐρύκακε φώνησέν τε·

Had not Ulysses broke the ruth, and said;

παύεσθον κλαυθμοῖο γόοιό τε, μή τις ἴδηται

"Cease tears and sorrows, lest we prove display'd

ἐξελθὼν μεγάροιο, ἀτὰρ εἴπῃσι καὶ εἴσω.

By some that issue from the house, and they

ἀλλὰ προμνηστῖνοι ἐσέλθετε, μηδʼ ἅμα πάντες,

Relate to those within. Take each his way,

πρῶτος ἐγώ, μετὰ δʼ ὔμμες· ἀτὰρ τόδε σῆμα τετύχθω·

Not altogether in, but one by one,

ἄλλοι μὲν γὰρ πάντες, ὅσοι μνηστῆρες ἀγαυοί,

First I, then you; and then see this be done;

οὐκ ἐάσουσιν ἐμοὶ δόμεναι βιὸν ἠδὲ φαρέτρην·

The envious Wooers will by no means give

ἀλλὰ σύ, δῖʼ Εὔμαιε, φέρων ἀνὰ δώματα τόξον

The offer of the bow and arrow leave

ἐν χείρεσσιν ἐμοὶ θέμεναι, εἰπεῖν τε γυναιξὶ

To come at me; spite then their pride, do thou,

κληῗσαι μεγάροιο θύρας πυκινῶς ἀραρυίας,

My good Eumæus, bring both shaft and bow

ἢν δέ τις ἢ στοναχῆς ἠὲ κτύπου ἔνδον ἀκούσῃ

To my hand's proof; and charge the maids before

ἀνδρῶν ἡμετέροισιν ἐν ἕρκεσι, μή τι θύραζε

That instantly they shut in ev'ry door,

προβλώσκειν, ἀλλʼ αὐτοῦ ἀκὴν ἔμεναι παρὰ ἔργῳ.

That they themselves (if any tumult rise

σοὶ δέ, Φιλοίτιε δῖε, θύρας ἐπιτέλλομαι αὐλῆς

Beneath my roofs by any that envies

κληῗσαι κληῗδι, θοῶς δʼ ἐπὶ δεσμὸν ἰῆλαι.

My will to undertake the game) may gain

ὣς εἰπὼν εἰσῆλθε δόμους εὖ ναιετάοντας·

No passage forth, but close at work contain

ἕζετʼ ἔπειτʼ ἐπὶ δίφρον ἰών, ἔνθεν περ ἀνέστη·

With all free quiet, or at least constrain'd,

ἐς δʼ ἄρα καὶ τὼ δμῶε ἴτην θείου Ὀδυσῆος.

And therefore, my Philœtius, see maintain'd,

Εὐρύμαχος δʼ ἤδη τόξον μετὰ χερσὶν ἐνώμα,

When close the gates are shut, their closure fast,

θάλπων ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα σέλᾳ πυρός· ἀλλά μιν οὐδʼ ὣς

To which end be it thy sole work to cast

ἐντανύσαι δύνατο, μέγα δʼ ἔστενε κυδάλιμον κῆρ·

Their chains before them." This said, in he led,

ὀχθήσας δʼ ἄρα εἶπεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

Took first his seat; and then they seconded

ὢ πόποι, ἧ μοι ἄχος περί τʼ αὐτοῦ καὶ περὶ πάντων·

His entry with their own. Then took in hand

οὔ τι γάμου τοσσοῦτον ὀδύρομαι, ἀχνύμενός περ·

Eurymachus the bow, made close his stand

εἰσὶ καὶ ἄλλαι πολλαὶ Ἀχαιΐδες, αἱ μὲν ἐν αὐτῇ

Aside the fire, at whose heat here and there

ἀμφιάλῳ Ἰθάκῃ, αἱ δʼ ἄλλῃσιν πολίεσσιν·

He warm'd and suppled it, yet could not stere

ἀλλʼ εἰ δὴ τοσσόνδε βίης ἐπιδευέες εἰμὲν

To any draught the string, with all his art;

ἀντιθέου Ὀδυσῆος, ὅ τʼ οὐ δυνάμεσθα τανύσσαι

And therefore swell'd in him his glorious heart,

τόξον· ἐλεγχείη δὲ καὶ ἐσσομένοισι πυθέσθαι.

Affirming, "that himself and all his friends

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Ἀντίνοος προσέφη, Εὐπείθεος υἱός·

Had cause to grieve, not only that their ends

Εὐρύμαχʼ, οὐχ οὕτως ἔσται· νοέεις δὲ καὶ αὐτός.

They miss'd in marriage, since enough besides

νῦν μὲν γὰρ κατὰ δῆμον ἑορτὴ τοῖο θεοῖο

Kind Grecian dames there liv'd to be their brides

ἁγνή· τίς δέ κε τόξα τιταίνοιτʼ; ἀλλὰ ἕκηλοι

In Ithaca, and other bord'ring towns,

κάτθετʼ· ἀτὰρ πελέκεάς γε καὶ εἴ κʼ εἰῶμεν ἅπαντας

But that to all times future their renowns

ἑστάμεν· οὐ μὲν γάρ τινʼ ἀναιρήσεσθαι ὀΐω,

Would stand disparag'd, if Ulysses' bow

ἐλθόντʼ ἐς μέγαρον Λαερτιάδεω Ὀδυσῆος.

They could not draw, and yet his wife would woo."

ἀλλʼ ἄγετʼ, οἰνοχόος μὲν ἐπαρξάσθω δεπάεσσιν,

Antinous answer'd; "That there could ensue

ὄφρα σπείσαντες καταθείομεν ἀγκύλα τόξα·

No shame at all to them; for well he knew

ἠῶθεν δὲ κέλεσθε Μελάνθιον, αἰπόλον αἰγῶν,

That this day was kept holy to the Sun

αἶγας ἄγειν, αἳ πᾶσι μέγʼ ἔξοχοι αἰπολίοισιν,

By all the city, and there should be done

ὄφρʼ ἐπὶ μηρία θέντες Ἀπόλλωνι κλυτοτόξῳ

No such profane act, therefore bade lay by

τόξου πειρώμεσθα καὶ ἐκτελέωμεν ἄεθλον.

The bow for that day; but the mastery

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀντίνοος, τοῖσιν δʼ ἐπιήνδανε μῦθος.

Of axes that were set up still might stand,

τοῖσι δὲ κήρυκες μὲν ὕδωρ ἐπὶ χεῖρας ἔχευαν,

Since that no labour was, nor any hand

κοῦροι δὲ κρητῆρας ἐπεστέψαντο ποτοῖο,

Would offer to invade Ulysses' house,

To take, or touch with surreptitious

Or violent hand, what there was left for use.

He, therefore, bade the cup-bearer infuse

Wine to the bowls, that so with sacrifice

They might let rest the shooting exercise,

And in the morning make Melanthius bring

The chief goats of his herd, that to the King

Of bows and archers they might burn the thighs

For good success, and then attempt the prize."

The rest sat pleas'd with this. The heralds straight

Pour'd water on their hands; each page did wait

With his crown'd cup of wine, serv'd ev'ry man

Till all were satisfied. And then began

Ulysses' plot of his close purpose thus:

"Hear me, ye much renown'd Eurymachus,

And king Antinous, in chief, who well,

And with decorum sacred, doth compell

This day's observance, and to let lay down

νώμησαν δʼ ἄρα πᾶσιν ἐπαρξάμενοι δεπάεσσιν.

The bow all this light, giving Gods their own.

οἱ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν σπεῖσάν τʼ ἔπιόν θʼ ὅσον ἤθελε θυμός,

The morning's labour God the more will bless,

τοῖς δὲ δολοφρονέων μετέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

And strength bestow where he himself shall please.

κέκλυτέ μευ, μνηστῆρες ἀγακλειτῆς βασιλείης·

Against which time let me presume to pray

ὄφρʼ εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κελεύει·

Your favours with the rest, that this assay

Εὐρύμαχον δὲ μάλιστα καὶ Ἀντίνοον θεοειδέα

May my old arms prove, trying if there lie

λίσσομʼ, ἐπεὶ καὶ τοῦτο ἔπος κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπε,

In my poor pow'rs the same activity

νῦν μὲν παῦσαι τόξον, ἐπιτρέψαι δὲ θεοῖσιν·

That long since crown'd them; or if needy fare

ἠῶθεν δὲ θεὸς δώσει κράτος ᾧ κʼ ἐθέλῃσιν.

And desolate wand'ring have the web worn bare

ἀλλʼ ἄγʼ ἐμοὶ δότε τόξον ἐΰξοον, ὄφρα μεθʼ ὑμῖν

Of my life's thread at all parts, that no more

χειρῶν καὶ σθένεος πειρήσομαι, ἤ μοι ἔτʼ ἐστὶν

Can furnish these affairs as heretofore."

ἴς, οἵη πάρος ἔσκεν ἐνὶ γναμπτοῖσι μέλεσσιν,

This het their spleens past measure, blown with fear

ἦ ἤδη μοι ὄλεσσεν ἄλη τʼ ἀκομιστίη τε.

Lest his loath'd temples would the garland wear

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ὑπερφιάλως νεμέσησαν,

Of that bow's draught; Antinous using speech

δείσαντες μὴ τόξον ἐΰξοον ἐντανύσειεν.

To this sour purpose: "Thou most arrant wretch

Ἀντίνοος δʼ ἐνένιπεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

Of all guests breathing, in no least degree

ἆ δειλὲ ξείνων, ἔνι τοι φρένες οὐδʼ ἠβαιαί·

Grac'd with a human soul, it serves not thee

οὐκ ἀγαπᾷς ὃ ἕκηλος ὑπερφιάλοισι μεθʼ ἡμῖν

To feast in peace with us, take equal share

δαίνυσαι, οὐδέ τι δαιτὸς ἀμέρδεαι, αὐτὰρ ἀκούεις

Of what we reach to, sit, and all things hear

μύθων ἡμετέρων καὶ ῥήσιος; οὐδέ τις ἄλλος

That we speak freely,—which no begging guest

ἡμετέρων μύθων ξεῖνος καὶ πτωχὸς ἀκούει.

Did ever yet,—but thou must make request

οἶνός σε τρώει μελιηδής, ὅς τε καὶ ἄλλους

To mix with us in merit of the Queen.

βλάπτει, ὃς ἄν μιν χανδὸν ἕλῃ μηδʼ αἴσιμα πίνῃ.

But wine inflames thee, that hath ever been

οἶνος καὶ Κένταυρον, ἀγακλυτὸν Εὐρυτίωνα,

The bane of men whoever yet would take

ἄασʼ ἐνὶ μεγάρῳ μεγαθύμου Πειριθόοιο,

Th' excess it offers and the mean forsake.

ἐς Λαπίθας ἐλθόνθʼ· ὁ δʼ ἐπεὶ φρένας ἄασεν οἴνῳ,

Wine spoil'd the Centaur great Eurytion,

μαινόμενος κάκʼ ἔρεξε δόμον κάτα Πειριθόοιο·

In guest-rites with the mighty-minded son

ἥρωας δʼ ἄχος εἷλε, διὲκ προθύρου δὲ θύραζε

Of bold Ixion, in his way to war

ἕλκον ἀναΐξαντες, ἀπʼ οὔατα νηλέϊ χαλκῷ

Against the Lapithes; who, driv'n as far

ῥῖνάς τʼ ἀμήσαντες· ὁ δὲ φρεσὶν ᾗσιν ἀασθεὶς

As madness with the bold effects of wine,

ἤϊεν ἣν ἄτην ὀχέων ἀεσίφρονι θυμῷ.

Did outrage to his kind host, and decline

ἐξ οὗ Κενταύροισι καὶ ἀνδράσι νεῖκος ἐτύχθη,

Other heroës from him feasted there

οἷ δʼ αὐτῷ πρώτῳ κακὸν εὕρετο οἰνοβαρείων.

With so much anger that they left their cheer,

ὣς καὶ σοὶ μέγα πῆμα πιφαύσκομαι, αἴ κε τὸ τόξον

And dragg'd him forth the fore-court, slit his nose,

ἐντανύσῃς· οὐ γάρ τευ ἐπητύος ἀντιβολήσεις

Cropp'd both his ears, and, in the ill-dispose

ἡμετέρῳ ἐνὶ δήμῳ, ἄφαρ δέ σε νηῒ μελαίνῃ

His mind then suffer'd, drew the fatal day

εἰς Ἔχετον βασιλῆα, βροτῶν δηλήμονα πάντων,

On his head with his host; for thence the fray

πέμψομεν· ἔνθεν δʼ οὔ τι σαώσεαι· ἀλλὰ ἕκηλος

Betwixt the Centaurs and the Lapithes

πῖνέ τε, μηδʼ ἐρίδαινε μετʼ ἀνδράσι κουροτέροισιν.

Had mortal act. But he for his excess

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

In spoil of wine fared worse himself; as thou

Ἀντίνοʼ, οὐ μὲν καλὸν ἀτέμβειν οὐδὲ δίκαιον

For thy large cups, if thy arms draw the bow,

ξείνους Τηλεμάχου, ὅς κεν τάδε δώμαθʼ ἵκηται·

My mind fortells shalt fear; for not a man

ἔλπεαι, αἴ χʼ ὁ ξεῖνος Ὀδυσσῆος μέγα τόξον

Of all our consort, that in wisdom can

ἐντανύσῃ χερσίν τε βίηφί τε ἧφι πιθήσας,

Boast any fit share, will take prayers then,

οἴκαδέ μʼ ἄξεσθαι καὶ ἑὴν θήσεσθαι ἄκοιτιν;

But to Echetus, the most stern of men,

οὐδʼ αὐτός που τοῦτό γʼ ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἔολπε·

A black sail freight with thee, whose worst of ill,

μηδέ τις ὑμείων τοῦ γʼ εἵνεκα θυμὸν ἀχεύων

Be sure, is past all ransom. Sit, then, still,

ἐνθάδε δαινύσθω, ἐπεὶ οὐδὲ μὲν οὐδὲ ἔοικεν.

Drink temp'rately, and never more contend

τὴν δʼ αὖτʼ Εὐρύμαχος, Πολύβου πάϊς, ἀντίον ηὔδα·

With men your youngers." This the Queen did end

κούρη Ἰκαρίοιο, περίφρον Πηνελόπεια,

With her defence of him, and told his foe

οὔ τί σε τόνδʼ ἄξεσθαι ὀϊόμεθʼ· οὐδὲ ἔοικεν·

It was not fair nor equal t' overcrow

ἀλλʼ αἰσχυνόμενοι φάτιν ἀνδρῶν ἠδὲ γυναικῶν,

The poorest guest her son pleas'd t' entertain

μή ποτέ τις εἴπῃσι κακώτερος ἄλλος Ἀχαιῶν

In his free turrets with so proud a strain

ἦ πολὺ χείρονες ἄνδρες ἀμύμονος ἀνδρὸς ἄκοιτιν

Of threats and bravings; asking if he thought,

That if the stranger to his arms had brought

The stubborn bow down, he should marry her,

And bear her home? And said, himself should err

In no such hope; nor of them all the best

That griev'd at any good she did her guest

Should banquet there; since it in no sort show'd

Noblesse in them, nor paid her what she ow'd

Her own free rule there. This Eurymachus

Confirm'd and said: "Nor feeds it hope in us,

Icarius' daughter, to solemnize rites

Of nuptials with thee; nor in noblest sights

It can show comely; but to our respects

The rumour both of sexes and of sects

Amongst the people would breed shame and fear,

Lest any worst Greek said: 'See, men that were

Of mean deservings will presume t' aspire

To his wife's bed, whom all men did admire

For fame and merit, could not draw his bow,

μνῶνται, οὐδέ τι τόξον ἐΰξοον ἐντανύουσιν·

And yet his wife had foolish pride to woo,

ἀλλʼ ἄλλος τις πτωχὸς ἀνὴρ ἀλαλήμενος ἐλθὼν

When straight an errant beggar comes and draws

ῥηϊδίως ἐτάνυσσε βιόν, διὰ δʼ ἧκε σιδήρου.

The bow with ease, performing all the laws

ὣς ἐρέουσʼ, ἡμῖν δʼ ἂν ἐλέγχεα ταῦτα γένοιτο.

The game besides contain'd'; and this would thus

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

Prove both indignity and shame to us."

Εὐρύμαχʼ, οὔ πως ἔστιν ἐϋκλεῖας κατὰ δῆμον

The Queen replied: "The fame of men, I see,

ἔμμεναι οἳ δὴ οἶκον ἀτιμάζοντες ἔδουσιν

Bears much price in your great suppos'd degree;

ἀνδρὸς ἀριστῆος· τί δʼ ἐλέγχεα ταῦτα τίθεσθε;

Yet who can prove amongst the people great,

οὗτος δὲ ξεῖνος μάλα μὲν μέγας ἠδʼ εὐπηγής,

That of one so esteem'd of them the seat

πατρὸς δʼ ἐξ ἀγαθοῦ γένος εὔχεται ἔμμεναι υἱός.

Doth so defame and ruin? And beside,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε οἱ δότε τόξον ἐΰξοον, ὄφρα ἴδωμεν.

With what right is this guest thus vilified

ὧδε γὰρ ἐξερέω, τὸ δὲ καὶ τετελεσμένον ἔσται·

In your high censures, when the man in blood

εἴ κέ μιν ἐντανύσῃ, δώῃ δέ οἱ εὖχος Ἀπόλλων,

Is well compos'd and great, his parents good?

ἕσσω μιν χλαῖνάν τε χιτῶνά τε, εἵματα καλά,

And therefore give the bow to him, to try

δώσω δʼ ὀξὺν ἄκοντα, κυνῶν ἀλκτῆρα καὶ ἀνδρῶν,

His birth and breeding by his chivalry.

καὶ ξίφος ἄμφηκες· δώσω δʼ ὑπὸ ποσσὶ πέδιλα,

If his arms draw it, and that Phœbus stands

πέμψω δʼ ὅππη μιν κραδίη θυμός τε κελεύει.

So great a glory to his strength, my hands

τὴν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Shall add this guerdon: Ev'ry sort of weed,

μῆτερ ἐμή, τόξον μὲν Ἀχαιῶν οὔ τις ἐμεῖο

A two-edg'd sword, and lance to keep him freed

κρείσσων, ᾧ κʼ ἐθέλω, δόμεναί τε καὶ ἀρνήσασθαι,

From dogs and men hereafter, and dismiss

οὔθʼ ὅσσοι κραναὴν Ἰθάκην κάτα κοιρανέουσιν,

His worth to what place tends that heart of his."

οὔθʼ ὅσσοι νήσοισι πρὸς Ἤλιδος ἱπποβότοιο·

Her son gave answer: "That it was a wrong

τῶν οὔ τίς μʼ ἀέκοντα βιήσεται, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλωμι

To his free sway in all things that belong

καὶ καθάπαξ ξείνῳ δόμεναι τάδε τόξα φέρεσθαι.

To guard of that house, to demand the bow

ἀλλʼ εἰς οἶκον ἰοῦσα τὰ σʼ αὐτῆς ἔργα κόμιζε,

Of any Wooer, and the use bestow

ἱστόν τʼ ἠλακάτην τε, καὶ ἀμφιπόλοισι κέλευε

Upon the stranger: for the bow was his

ἔργον ἐποίχεσθαι· τόξον δʼ ἄνδρεσσι μελήσει

To give or to withhold; no masteries

πᾶσι, μάλιστα δʼ ἐμοί· τοῦ γὰρ κράτος ἔστʼ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ.

Of her proposing giving any pow'r

ἡ μὲν θαμβήσασα πάλιν οἶκόνδε βεβήκει·

T' impair his right in things for any Wooer,

παιδὸς γὰρ μῦθον πεπνυμένον ἔνθετο θυμῷ.

Or any that rough Ithaca affords,

ἐς δʼ ὑπερῷʼ ἀναβᾶσα σὺν ἀμφιπόλοισι γυναιξὶ

Any that Elis; of which no man's words

κλαῖεν ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆα, φίλον πόσιν, ὄφρα οἱ ὕπνον

Nor pow'rs should curb him, stood he so inclin'd,

ἡδὺν ἐπὶ βλεφάροισι βάλε γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη.

To see the bow in absolute gift resign'd

αὐτὰρ ὁ τόξα λαβὼν φέρε καμπύλα δῖος ὑφορβός·

To that his guest to bear and use at will,

μνηστῆρες δʼ ἄρα πάντες ὁμόκλεον ἐν μεγάροισιν·

And therefore bade his mother keep her still

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκε νέων ὑπερηνορεόντων·

Amongst her women at her rock and loom;

πῆ δὴ καμπύλα τόξα φέρεις, ἀμέγαρτε συβῶτα,

Bows were for men; and this bow did become

πλαγκτέ; τάχʼ αὖ σʼ ἐφʼ ὕεσσι κύνες ταχέες κατέδονται

Past all men's his disposure, since his sire

οἶον ἀπʼ ἀνθρώπων, οὓς ἔτρεφες, εἴ κεν Ἀπόλλων

Left it to him, and all the house entire."

ἡμῖν ἱλήκῃσι καὶ ἀθάνατοι θεοὶ ἄλλοι.

She stood dismay'd at this, and in her mind

ὣς φάσαν, αὐτὰρ, ὁ θῆκε φέρων αὐτῇ ἐνὶ χώρῃ,

His wise words laid up, standing so inclin'd

δείσας, οὕνεκα πολλοὶ ὁμόκλεον ἐν μεγάροισιν.

As he had will'd, with all her women going

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἀπειλήσας ἐγεγώνει·

Up to her chamber, there her tears bestowing,

ἄττα, πρόσω φέρε τόξα· τάχʼ οὐκ εὖ πᾶσι πιθήσεις

As ev'ry night she did, on her lov'd lord,

μή σε καὶ ὁπλότερός περ ἐὼν ἀγρόνδε δίωμαι,

Till sleep and Pallas her fit rest restor'd.

βάλλων χερμαδίοισι· βίηφι δὲ φέρτερός εἰμι.

The bow Eumæus took, and bore away;

αἲ γὰρ πάντων τόσσον, ὅσοι κατὰ δώματʼ ἔασι,

Which up in tumult, and almost in fray,

μνηστήρων χερσίν τε βίηφί τε φέρτερος εἴην·

Put all the Wooers, one enquiring thus:

τῷ κε τάχα στυγερῶς τινʼ ἐγὼ πέμψαιμι νέεσθαι

"Whither, rogue, abject, wilt thou bear from us

ἡμετέρου ἐξ οἴκου, ἐπεὶ κακὰ μηχανόωνται.

That bow propos'd? Lay down, or I protest

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐπʼ αὐτῷ ἡδὺ γέλασσαν

Thy dogs shall eat thee, that thou nourishest

μνηστῆρες, καὶ δὴ μέθιεν χαλεποῖο χόλοιο

To guard thy swine; amongst whom, left of all,

Τηλεμάχῳ· τὰ δὲ τόξα φέρων ἀνὰ δῶμα συβώτης

Thy life shall leave thee, if the festival,

ἐν χείρεσσʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ δαΐφρονι θῆκε παραστάς.

We now observe to Phœbus, may our zeals

Grace with his aid, and all the Deities else."

This threat made good Eumæus yield the bow

To his late place, not knowing what might grow

From such a multitude. And then fell on

Telemachus with threats, and said: "Set gone

That bow yet further; 'tis no servant's part

To serve too many masters; raise your heart

And bear it off, lest, though you're younger, yet

With stones I pelt you to the field with it.

If you and I close, I shall prove too strong.

I wish as much too hard for all this throng

The Gods would make me, I should quickly send

Some after with just sorrow to their end,

They waste my victuals so, and ply my cup,

And do me such shrewd turns still." This put up

The Wooers all in laughters, and put down

Their angers to him, that so late were grown

So grave and bloody; which resolv'd that fear

ἐκ δὲ καλεσσάμενος προσέφη τροφὸν Εὐρύκλειαν·

Of good Eumæus, who did take and bear

Τηλέμαχος κέλεταί σε, περίφρων Εὐρύκλεια,

The King the bow; call'd nurse, and bade her make

κληῗσαι μεγάροιο θύρας πυκινῶς ἀραρυίας.

The doors all sure, that if men's tumults take

ἢν δέ τις ἤ στοναχῆς ἠὲ κτύπου ἔνδον ἀκούσῃ

The ears of some within, they may not fly,

ἀνδρῶν ἡμετέροισιν ἐν ἕρκεσι, μή τι θύραζε

But keep at work still close and silently.

προβλώσκειν, ἀλλʼ αὐτοῦ ἀκὴν ἔμεναι παρὰ ἔργῳ.

These words put wings to her, and close she put

ὣς ἄρʼ ἐφώνησεν, τῇ δʼ ἄπτερος ἔπλετο μῦθος,

The chamber door. The court-gates then were shut

κλήϊσεν δὲ θύρας μεγάρων εὖ ναιεταόντων.

By kind Philœtius, who straight did go

σιγῇ δʼ ἐξ οἴκοιο Φιλοίτιος ἆλτο θύραζε,

From out the hall, and in the portico

κλήϊσεν δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα θύρας εὐερκέος αὐλῆς.

Found laid a gable of a ship, compos'd

κεῖτο δʼ ὑπʼ αἰθούσῃ ὅπλον νεὸς ἀμφιελίσσης

Of spongy bulrushes; with which he clos'd,

βύβλινον, ᾧ ῥʼ ἐπέδησε θύρας, ἐς δʼ ἤϊεν αὐτός·

In winding round about them, the court-gates,

ἕζετʼ ἔπειτʼ ἐπὶ δίφρον ἰών, ἔνθεν περ ἀνέστη,

Then took his place again, to view the fates

εἰσορόων Ὀδυσῆα. ὁ δʼ ἤδη τόξον ἐνώμα

That quickly follow'd. When he came, he saw

πάντη ἀναστρωφῶν, πειρώμενος ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα,

Ulysses viewing, ere he tried to draw,

μὴ κέρα ἶπες ἔδοιεν ἀποιχομένοιο ἄνακτος.

The famous bow, which ev'ry way he mov'd,

ὧδε τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν ἐς πλησίον ἄλλον·

Up and down turning it; in which be prov'd

ἦ τις θηητὴρ καὶ ἐπίκλοπος ἔπλετο τόξων·

The plight it was in, fearing, chiefly, lest

ἤ ῥά νύ που τοιαῦτα καὶ αὐτῷ οἴκοθι κεῖται

The horns were eat with worms in so long rest.

ἢ ὅ γʼ ἐφορμᾶται ποιησέμεν, ὡς ἐνὶ χερσὶ

But what his thoughts intended turning so,

νωμᾷ ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα κακῶν ἔμπαιος ἀλήτης.

And keeping such a search about the bow,

ἄλλος δʼ αὖ εἴπεσκε νέων ὑπερηνορεόντων·

The Wooers little knowing fell to jest,

αἲ γὰρ δὴ τοσσοῦτον ὀνήσιος ἀντιάσειεν

And said: "Past doubt he is a man profest

ὡς οὗτός ποτε τοῦτο δυνήσεται ἐντανύσασθαι.

In bowyers' craft, and sees quite through the wood;

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφαν μνηστῆρες· ἀτὰρ πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς,

Or something, certain, to be understood

αὐτίκʼ ἐπεὶ μέγα τόξον ἐβάστασε καὶ ἴδε πάντη,

There is in this his turning of it still.

ὡς ὅτʼ ἀνὴρ φόρμιγγος ἐπιστάμενος καὶ ἀοιδῆς

A cunning rogue he is at any ill."

ῥηϊδίως ἐτάνυσσε νέῳ περὶ κόλλοπι χορδήν,

Then spake another proud one: "Would to heav'n,

ἅψας ἀμφοτέρωθεν ἐϋστρεφὲς ἔντερον οἰός,

I might, at will, get gold till he hath giv'n

ὣς ἄρʼ ἄτερ σπουδῆς τάνυσεν μέγα τόξον Ὀδυσσεύς.

That bow his draught!" With these sharp jests did these

δεξιτερῇ ἄρα χειρὶ λαβὼν πειρήσατο νευρῆς·

Delightsome Woo'rs their fatal humours please.

ἡ δʼ ὑπὸ καλὸν ἄεισε, χελιδόνι εἰκέλη αὐδήν.

But when the wise Ulysses once had laid

μνηστῆρσιν δʼ ἄρʼ ἄχος γένετο μέγα, πᾶσι δʼ ἄρα χρὼς

His fingers on it, and to proof survey'd

ἐτράπετο· Ζεὺς δὲ μεγάλʼ ἔκτυπε σήματα φαίνων·

The still sound plight it held, as one of skill

γήθησέν τʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς.

In song, and of the harp, doth at his will,

ὅττι ῥά οἱ τέρας ἧκε Κρόνου πάϊς ἀγκυλομήτεω·

In tuning of his instrument, extend

εἵλετο δʼ ὠκὺν ὀϊστόν, ὅ οἱ παρέκειτο τραπέζῃ

A string out with his pin, touch all, and lend

γυμνός· τοὶ δʼ ἄλλοι κοίλης ἔντοσθε φαρέτρης

To ev'ry well-wreath'd string his perfect sound,

κείατο, τῶν τάχʼ ἔμελλον Ἀχαιοὶ πειρήσεσθαι.

Struck all together; with such ease drew round

τόν ῥʼ ἐπὶ πήχει ἑλὼν ἕλκεν νευρὴν γλυφίδας τε,

The King the bow. Then twang'd he up the string,

αὐτόθεν ἐκ δίφροιο καθήμενος, ἧκε δʼ ὀϊστὸν

That as a swallow in the air doth sing

ἄντα τιτυσκόμενος, πελέκεων δʼ οὐκ ἤμβροτε πάντων

With no continued tune, but, pausing still,

πρώτης στειλειῆς, διὰ δʼ ἀμπερὲς ἦλθε θύραζε

Twinks out her scatter'd voice in accents shrill;

ἰὸς χαλκοβαρής· ὁ δὲ Τηλέμαχον προσέειπε·

So sharp the string sung when he gave it touch,

Τηλέμαχʼ, οὔ σʼ ὁ ξεῖνος ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἐλέγχει

Once having bent and drawn it. Which so much

ἥμενος, οὐδέ τι τοῦ σκοποῦ ἤμβροτον οὐδέ τι τόξον

Amaz'd the Wooers, that their colours went

δὴν ἔκαμον τανύων· ἔτι μοι μένος ἔμπεδόν ἐστιν,

And came most grievously. And then Jove rent

οὐχ ὥς με μνηστῆρες ἀτιμάζοντες ὄνονται.

The air with thunder; which at heart did cheer

νῦν δʼ ὥρη καὶ δόρπον Ἀχαιοῖσιν τετυκέσθαι

The now-enough-sustaining traveller,

ἐν φάει, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα καὶ ἄλλως ἑψιάασθαι

That Jove again would his attempt enable.