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Ulysses, doubting whether he shall destroy or not the women servants who commit lewdness with the suitors, resolves at length to spare them for the present. He asks an omen from Jupiter, and that he would grant him also to hear some propitious words from the lips of one in the family. His petitions are both answered. Preparation is made for the feast. Whilst the suitors sit at table, Pallas smites them with a horrid frenzy. Theoclymenus, observing the strange effects of it, prophesies their destruction, and they deride his prophecy.

in the vestibule the Hero lay On a bull’s-hide undress’d, o’er which he spread The fleece of many a sheep slain by the Greeks, And, cover’d by the household’s governess With a wide cloak, composed himself to rest. Yet slept he not, but meditating lay Woe to his enemies. Meantime, the train Of women, wonted to the suitors’ arms, Issuing all mirth and laughter, in his soul A tempest raised of doubts, whether at once