Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/416

408 Scarce felt, if, fighting for his own, his sheep Perchance, or beeves, a man receive a blow. But me Antinoüs struck for that I ask'd Food from him merely to appease the pangs Of hunger, source of num'rous ills to man. If then the poor man have a God t' avenge His wrongs, I pray to him that death may seize Antinoüs, ere his nuptial hour arrive! To whom Antinoüs answer thus return'd, Son of Eupithes. Either seated there Or going hence, eat, stranger, and be still; Lest for thy insolence, by hand or foot We drag thee forth, and thou be flay'd alive. He ceased, whom all indignant heard, and thus Ev'n his own proud companions censured him. Antinoüs! thou didst not well to smite The wretched vagabond. O thou art doom'd For ever, if there be a God in heav'n; For, in similitude of strangers oft, The Gods, who can with ease all shapes assume, Repair to populous cities, where they mark The outrageous and the righteous deeds of men.