Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/317

268—306. Thus he spoke; but they all gnashing with their teeth in their lips, marvelled at Telemachus, for that he boldly spoke. And Antinous, son of Eupithes, addressed them:

"Let us put up with the language of Telemachus, O Grecians, although it is severe: he speaks, threatening us very much. For Jove, the son of Saturn, did not suffer us, otherwise we should already have stopped him in the palace, although he is a sharp speaker."

Thus spoke Antinous; but he did not regard his words. And the heralds brought a sacred hecatomb of the gods through the city; and the long-haired Grecians were assembled under the shady grove of far-darting Apollo: but when they had roasted the upper flesh, and had drawn it out, having divided the shares they made a most delightful feast. And those who served, set an equal share near to Ulysses, as they themselves were allotted: for so Telemachus, dear son of divine Ulysses, commanded them. But Minerva did not suffer the haughty suitors altogether to refrain from mind-grieving insolence: that sorrow might still more come upon Ulysses, son of Laertes, in his heart. And there was a certain man amongst the suitors, who was acquainted with lawless deeds, his name was Ctesippus, and he inhabited a house in Samos; who, trusting in the possessions of his father, wooed the wife of long-absent Ulysses: he then addressed the overbearing suitors:

"Hear me, noble suitors, whilst I speak something: the stranger, forsooth, of old has an equal share, as it seems; for it is not honourable or just to sadden the guests of Telemachus, whoever comes to this house. But come, I also will give him a hospitable present; that he himself also may give a reward either to the bath-keeper, or to any other of the servants, who are in the house of divine Ulysses."

Thus having spoken, with his strong hand he threw the foot of an ox, which was lying near, taking it from the basket: but Ulysses avoided it, gently bending his head: and he smiled in his mind with a very Sardonic smile; but he struck the well-built wall: and Telemachus chided Ctesippus in words:

"O Ctesippus, truly this was very much better for thee in thy mind; [that] thou didst not hit the stranger: for he avoided the blow; for I would certainly have struck thee in