Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/470

462 Through which the fleeting phantoms pass; of horn Is one, and one of ivory. Such dreams As through the thin-leaf'd iv'ry portal come Sooth, but perform not, utt'ring empty sounds; But such as through the polish'd horn escape, If, haply seen by any mortal eye, Prove faithful witnesses, and are fulfill'd. But through those gates my wond'rous dream, I think, Came not; thrice welcome were it else to me And to my son. Now mark my words; attend. This is the hated morn that from the house Removes me of Ulysses. I shall fix, This day, the rings for trial to them all Of archership; Ulysses' custom was To plant twelve spikes, all regular arranged Like galley-props, and crested with a ring, Then standing far remote, true in his aim He with his whizzing shaft would thrid them all. This is the contest in which now I mean To prove the suitors; him, who with most ease Shall bend the bow, and shoot through all the rings, I follow, this dear mansion of my youth Leaving, so fair, so fill'd with ev'ry good, Though still to love it even in my dreams.