Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/334

298 mine hands from slaughter, before I had revenged all their overbearing conduct upon the suitors. Ye now have the choice, either to fight against me, or to fly, whoever can escape death and the Fates. But I do not think any one will escape bitter destruction."

Thus he spoke; and there their knees and heart were loosed. But Eurymachus again a second time addressed them:

"O friends, for this man will not restrain his invincible hands; but since he has taken the well-polished bow, and the quiver, he will shoot arrows from the polished threshold, until he has slain all of us: but let us be mindful of battle: and do ye draw your swords, and hold up the tables against the quick-fated arrows; and let us all hold together against him, if we can thrust him out from the threshold and the door. But let us go through the city, and let an alarm be raised as quickly as possible. Then will this man soon shoot an arrow for the last time."

Thus having spoken, he drew his sharp sword of brass, sharpened on both sides; and he leaped against him, shouting dreadfully: but at the same time divine Ulysses sending forth a shaft, struck him upon the breast, near the nipple, and he fixed the swift weapon in his liver; and he threw his sword upon the ground from his hand, and rushing round the table he fell staggering; and he poured the viands on the ground, and the round cup: and he smote the ground with his forehead, sorrowing in mind; and he shook his throne, kicking it with both his feet: and darkness was shed over his eyes. And Amphinomus came against glorious Ulysses rushing upon him: and he drew his sharp sword, in case he might give way from the door: but Telemachus anticipated him, striking him from behind with a brass-pointed spear between the shoulders, and he drove it through his breast: and he resounded as he fell, and struck the ground with his whole forehead. But Telemachus rushed away, leaving the long spear there in Amphinomus; for he very much feared, that some