Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/282

246 Thus he spoke; and he sat down again on a well-polished seat, and having satiated his mind with eating and drinking, he went to the swine: and he left the enclosures and the palace full of feasters; but they were delighted with the dance and the song; for afternoon had now come on.

 

there also came a public beggar, who begged through the city of Ithaca, and he surpassed others in his raving belly, to eat and drink without ceasing: nor had he might or force; but he was very large in form to behold. And Arnasus was his name; for this his venerable mother gave him from his birth: but all the young men called him Irus, because he went as a messenger, whenever any one ordered him any where. Who coming wished to drive Ulysses from his own house, and chiding him, he spoke winged words:

"Go, old man, from the portico, lest thou soon be drawn by the foot: dost not thou perceive that all are winking at me, and desire me to drag thee out? but I however am ashamed. But rise, lest soon between us there be contention even with our hands."

But him much-planning Ulysses regarding, sternly addressed: "Sirrah, I neither do nor speak any evil to thee, nor do I grudge that any one should give to thee, although 