Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/327

247—286. could not stretch it; and his glory-seeking heart groaned greatly, and mourning he then spoke and said:

"Alas! truly there is grief for me both about myself, and about all: I do not so much lament concerning the marriage, although sorrowing: there are also many other Grecian women, both in sea-girt Ithaca itself, and in other cities; but if we are indeed so much inferior in strength to godlike Ulysses, that we cannot stretch the bow; a disgrace even for posterity to hear."

But him Antinous, son of Eupithes, addressed in turn: "O Eurymachus, it will not be so; and thou thyself also knowest it. For now there is a holy feast of the god amongst the people; and who could stretch the bow? but lay it aside quietly: and let us also suffer all the hatchets to stand, for I think not that any one will take them away, entering the palace of Ulysses, son of Laertes. But come, let the wine-pourer make the first offerings with the cups, that having made libations we may lay aside the crooked bow. But in the morning desire Melanthius the goatherd, to bring goats, far the best in all the flocks, that offering thighs to bow-renowned Apollo, we may try the bow, and end the contest."

Thus spoke Antinous; and his discourse pleased them. And the heralds poured water upon their hands, and youths crowned the bowls with wine; and they distributed to all, having made the first offerings with the cups. But when they had made libations, and drunk as much as their mind wished, much-planning Ulysses, devising a stratagem, addressed them:

"Hear me, ye suitors of the illustrious queen, [while I speak the things which the mind in my breast desires me]. But I especially beseech Eurymachus and godlike Antinous, since he has spoken this word rightly: now indeed cease from the bow, and commit it to the gods: but in the morning the deity will give strength to whom he is willing. But come, give me the well-polished bow, that I may try my hands and strength with you, if I have still the strength, such as I before had in my bending limbs, or whether now my wandering and want of care has destroyed it for me."

Thus he spoke; but they all were exceedingly indignant, dreading lest he should stretch the well-polished bow. And