Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/283

17—49. thou receivest much. This threshold will contain us both; nor is it fit that thou shouldst grudge what belongs to others: but thou seemest to me to be a wanderer, even as I; but the gods have the power to bestow wealth. But do not challenge me too much to [strife of] of hands, lest thou shouldst make me wroth, lest, although being aged, I shall defile thy breast and lips with blood; and to-morrow there would be still more quiet for me: for I do not at all think that thou wilt return a second time to the house of Ulysses, son of Laertes."

But him the wanderer Irus enraged addressed: "O gods! how glibly this gluttonous fellow harangues, like unto an old woman covered with soot; against whom I would devise evil, smiting him with both [hands], and would drive all the teeth out of his jaws upon the ground, as of a swine that eats the wheat in the field. Now gird thyself, that all these may behold us fighting; but how wouldst thou contend with a younger man?"

Thus they before the lofty gates on the polished threshold were irritated [each other] with all their mind. And the sacred might of Antinous set them twain together, and laughing out pleasantly, he addressed the suitors:

"O friends, such a thing has never before been done: what a delight has the deity brought to this house! The stranger and Irus are contending with one another, so as to come to blows with their hands; and we will soon set them together."

Thus he spoke; and they all rose up laughing; and they formed a ring round the ill-clad beggars. And them Antinous, son of Eupithes, addressed:

"Hear me, noble suitors, whilst I say something. These paunches of goats are cooking on the fire; and having filled them with fat and blood, we lay them aside for supper: but whichever conquers, and is the superior, let him, rising up, take whichever of them he chooses; and afterwards he shall always feast amongst us, nor will we suffer any other beggar to come amongst us to ask alms."