Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/331

402—434. that he may meet with so much profit, as he will some time or other be able to bend this."

Thus spoke the suitors; but much-planning Ulysses, as soon as he handled the large bow, and looked at it upon all sides, as when a man skilled in the harp and in song easily stretches a cord upon a new pin, joining on both sides the well-twisted entrail of a sheep; so did Ulysses bend the great bow without difficulty. But with his right he laid hold of the string and tried it; and it twanged beautifully, like unto a swallow in voice. But great grief came upon the suitors, and the colour of all changed: but Jove thundered loudly, showing forth signs. Then much-enduring divine Ulysses rejoiced, because the son of wily-counselling Saturn had sent him an omen. And he took a swift arrow, which lay near him on the table, naked; but the others lay within the hollow quiver, which the Grecians were soon about to experience. Taking it upon his elbow, he drew the string, and the notch [of the arrow], from thence, sitting on his seat; and he sent forth the arrow, aiming opposite; but he did not miss all the hatchets from the first ring, and the brass-tipped arrow came entirely through the door; but he addressed Telemachus:

"O Telemachus, the stranger sitting in the palace does not disgrace thee; I have not at all missed the mark, nor did I labour for a long time stretching the bow: still is my strength firm; not even thus do the suitors, dishonouring me, blame me. But now it is time for the Grecians to prepare a supper in the light, but then also to be otherwise rejoiced with the song and harp: for these are the adornments of a feast."

He spoke, and nodded with his brows; but Telemachus, the dear son of divine Ulysses, girt his sharp sword around him: and he threw his hand round his spear; and stood by him near his seat, armed with shining brass.