The Odyssey of Homer Part 32

[95] Who had sought refuge in the ship of Telemachus when he left Sparta, and came with him to Ithaca.

BOOK XXI

ARGUMENT

Penelope proposes to the suitors a contest with the bow, herself the prize. They prove unable to bend the bow; when Ulysses having with some difficulty possessed himself of it, manages it with the utmost ease, and dispatches his arrow through twelve rings erected for the trial.

Minerva, now, G.o.ddess caerulean-eyed, Prompted Icarius' daughter, the discrete Penelope, with bow and rings to prove Her suitors in Ulysses' courts, a game Terrible in conclusion to them all.

First, taking in her hand the brazen key Well-forged, and fitted with an iv'ry grasp, Attended by the women of her train She sought her inmost chamber, the recess In which she kept the treasures of her Lord, 10 His bra.s.s, his gold, and steel elaborate.

Here lay his stubborn bow, and quiver fill'd With num'rous shafts, a fatal store. That bow He had received and quiver from the hand Of G.o.dlike Iphitus Eurytides, Whom, in Messenia,[96] in the house he met Of brave Orsilochus. Ulysses came Demanding payment of arrearage due From all that land; for a Messenian fleet Had borne from Ithaca three hundred sheep, 20 With all their shepherds; for which cause, ere yet Adult, he voyaged to that distant sh.o.r.e, Deputed by his sire, and by the Chiefs Of Ithaca, to make the just demand.

But Iphitus had thither come to seek Twelve mares and twelve mule colts which he had lost, A search that cost him soon a b.l.o.o.d.y death.

For, coming to the house of Hercules The valiant task-performing son of Jove, He perish'd there, slain by his cruel host 30 Who, heedless of heav'n's wrath, and of the rights Of his own board, first fed, then slaughter'd him; For in _his_ house the mares and colts were hidden.

He, therefore, occupied in that concern, Meeting Ulysses there, gave him the bow Which, erst, huge Eurytus had borne, and which Himself had from his dying sire received.

Ulysses, in return, on him bestowed A spear and sword, pledges of future love And hospitality; but never more 40 They met each other at the friendly board, For, ere that hour arrived, the son of Jove Slew his own guest, the G.o.dlike Iphitus.

Thus came the bow into Ulysses' hands, Which, never in his gallant barks he bore To battle with him, (though he used it oft In times of peace) but left it safely stored At home, a dear memorial of his friend.

Soon as, divinest of her s.e.x, arrived At that same chamber, with her foot she press'd 50 The oaken threshold bright, on which the hand Of no mean architect had stretch'd the line, Who had erected also on each side The posts on which the splendid portals hung, She loos'd the ring and brace, then introduced The key, and aiming at them from without,[97]

Struck back the bolts. The portals, at that stroke, Sent forth a tone deep as the pastur'd bull's, And flew wide open. She, ascending, next, The elevated floor on which the chests 60 That held her own fragrant apparel stood, With lifted hand aloft took down the bow In its embroider'd bow-case safe enclosed.

Then, sitting there, she lay'd it on her knees, Weeping aloud, and drew it from the case.

Thus weeping over it long time she sat, Till satiate, at the last, with grief and tears, Descending by the palace steps she sought Again the haughty suitors, with the bow Elastic, and the quiver in her hand 70 Replete with pointed shafts, a deadly store.

Her maidens, as she went, bore after her A coffer fill'd with prizes by her Lord, Much bra.s.s and steel; and when at length she came, Loveliest of women, where the suitors sat, Between the pillars of the stately dome Pausing, before her beauteous face she held Her lucid veil, and by two matrons chaste Supported, the a.s.sembly thus address'd.

Ye n.o.ble suitors hear, who rudely haunt 80 This palace of a Chief long absent hence, Whose substance ye have now long time consumed, Nor palliative have yet contrived, or could, Save your ambition to make me a bride-- Attend this game to which I call you forth.

Now suitors! prove yourselves with this huge bow Of wide-renown'd Ulysses; he who draws Easiest the bow, and who his arrow sends Through twice six rings, he takes me to his home, And I must leave this mansion of my youth 90 Plenteous, magnificent, which, doubtless, oft I shall remember even in my dreams.

So saying, she bade Eumaeus lay the bow Before them, and the twice six rings of steel.

He wept, received them, and obey'd; nor wept The herdsman less, seeing the bow which erst His Lord had occupied; when at their tears Indignant, thus, Antinous began.

Ye rural drones, whose purblind eyes see not Beyond the present hour, egregious fools! 100 Why weeping trouble ye the Queen, too much Before afflicted for her husband lost?

Either partake the banquet silently, Or else go weep abroad, leaving the bow, That stubborn test, to us; for none, I judge, None here shall bend this polish'd bow with ease, Since in this whole a.s.sembly I discern None like Ulysses, whom myself have seen And recollect, though I was then a boy.

He said, but in his heart, meantime, the hope 110 Cherish'd, that he should bend, himself, the bow, And pa.s.s the rings; yet was he destin'd first Of all that company to taste the steel Of brave Ulysses' shaft, whom in that house He had so oft dishonour'd, and had urged So oft all others to the like offence.

Amidst them, then, the sacred might arose Of young Telemachus, who thus began.

Saturnian Jove questionless hath deprived Me of all reason. My own mother, fam'd 120 For wisdom as she is, makes known to all Her purpose to abandon this abode And follow a new mate, while, heedless, I Trifle and laugh as I were still a child.

But come, ye suitors! since the prize is such, A woman like to whom none can be found This day in all Achaia; on the sh.o.r.es Of sacred Pylus; in the cities proud Of Argos or Mycenae; or even here In Ithaca; or yet within the walls 130 Of black Epirus; and since this yourselves Know also, wherefore should I speak her praise?

Come then, delay not, waste not time in vain Excuses, turn not from the proof, but bend The bow, that thus the issue may be known.

I also will, myself, that task essay; And should I bend the bow, and pa.s.s the rings, Then shall not my ill.u.s.trious mother leave Her son forlorn, forsaking this abode To follow a new spouse, while I remain 140 Disconsolate, although of age to bear, Successful as my sire, the prize away.

So saying, he started from his seat, cast off His purple cloak, and lay'd his sword aside, Then fix'd, himself, the rings, furrowing the earth By line, and op'ning one long trench for all, And stamping close the glebe. Amazement seized All present, seeing with how prompt a skill He executed, though untaught, his task.

Then, hasting to the portal, there he stood. 150 Thrice, struggling, he essay'd to bend the bow, And thrice desisted, hoping still to draw The bow-string home, and shoot through all the rings.[98]

And now the fourth time striving with full force He had prevail'd to string it, but his sire Forbad his eager efforts by a sign.

Then thus the royal youth to all around-- G.o.ds! either I shall prove of little force Hereafter, and for manly feats unapt, Or I am yet too young, and have not strength 160 To quell the aggressor's contumely. But come-- (For ye have strength surpa.s.sing mine) try ye The bow, and bring this contest to an end.

He ceas'd, and set the bow down on the floor, Reclining it against the shaven pannels smooth That lined the wall; the arrow next he placed, Leaning against the bow's bright-polish'd horn, And to the seat, whence he had ris'n, return'd.

Then thus Eupithes' son, Antinous spake.

My friends! come forth successive from the right,[99] 170 Where he who ministers the cup begins.

So spake Antinous, and his counsel pleased.

Then, first, Leiodes, nop's son, arose.

He was their soothsayer, and ever sat Beside the beaker, inmost of them all.

To him alone, of all, licentious deeds Were odious, and, with indignation fired, He witness'd the excesses of the rest.

He then took foremost up the shaft and bow, And, station'd at the portal, strove to bend 180 But bent it not, fatiguing, first, his hands Delicate and uncustom'd to the toil.

He ceased, and the a.s.sembly thus bespake.

My friends, I speed not; let another try; For many Princes shall this bow of life Bereave, since death more eligible seems, Far more, than loss of her, for whom we meet Continual here, expecting still the prize.

Some suitor, haply, at this moment, hopes That he shall wed whom long he hath desired, 190 Ulysses' wife, Penelope; let him Essay the bow, and, trial made, address His spousal offers to some other fair Among the long-stoled Princesses of Greece, This Princess leaving his, whose proffer'd gifts Shall please her most, and whom the Fates ordain.

He said, and set the bow down on the floor, Reclining it against the shaven pannels smooth That lined the wall; the arrow, next, he placed, Leaning against the bow's bright-polish'd horn, 200 And to the seat whence he had ris'n return'd.

Then him Antinous, angry, thus reproved.

What word, Leiodes, grating to our ears Hath scap'd thy lips? I hear it with disdain.

Shall this bow fatal prove to many a Prince, Because thou hast, thyself, too feeble proved To bend it? no. Thou wast not born to bend The unpliant bow, or to direct the shaft, But here are n.o.bler who shall soon prevail.

He said, and to Melanthius gave command, 210 The goat-herd. Hence, Melanthius, kindle fire; Beside it place, with fleeces spread, a form Of length commodious; from within procure A large round cake of suet next, with which When we have chafed and suppled the tough bow Before the fire, we will again essay To bend it, and decide the doubtful strife.

He ended, and Melanthius, kindling fire Beside it placed, with fleeces spread, a form Of length commodious; next, he brought a cake 220 Ample and round of suet from within, With which they chafed the bow, then tried again To bend, but bent it not; superior strength To theirs that task required. Yet two, the rest In force surpa.s.sing, made no trial yet, Antinous, and Eurymachus the brave.

Then went the herdsman and the swine-herd forth Together; after whom, the glorious Chief Himself the house left also, and when all Without the court had met, with gentle speech 230 Ulysses, then, the faithful pair address'd.

Herdsman! and thou, Eumaeus! shall I keep A certain secret close, or shall I speak Outright? my spirit prompts me, and I will.

What welcome should Ulysses at your hands Receive, arriving suddenly at home, Some G.o.d his guide; would ye the suitors aid, Or would ye aid Ulysses? answer true.

Then thus the chief intendant of his herds.

Would Jove but grant me my desire, to see 240 Once more the Hero, and would some kind Pow'r, Restore him, I would shew thee soon an arm Strenuous to serve him, and a dauntless heart.

Eumaeus, also, fervently implored The G.o.ds in pray'r, that they would render back Ulysses to his home. He, then, convinced Of their unfeigning honesty, began.

Behold him! I am he myself, arrived After long suff'rings in the twentieth year!

I know how welcome to yourselves alone 250 Of all my train I come, for I have heard None others praying for my safe return.

I therefore tell you truth; should heav'n subdue The suitors under me, ye shall receive Each at my hands a bride, with lands and house Near to my own, and ye shall be thenceforth Dear friends and brothers of the Prince my son.

Lo! also this indisputable proof That ye may know and trust me. View it here.

It is the scar which in Parna.s.sus erst 260 (Where with the sons I hunted of renown'd Autolycus) I from a boar received.

So saying, he stripp'd his tatters, and unveil'd The whole broad scar; then, soon as they had seen And surely recognized the mark, each cast His arms around Ulysses, wept, embraced And press'd him to his bosom, kissing oft His brows and shoulders, who as oft their hands And foreheads kiss'd, nor had the setting sun Beheld them satisfied, but that himself 270 Ulysses thus admonished them, and said.

Cease now from tears, lest any, coming forth, Mark and report them to our foes within.

Now, to the hall again, but one by one, Not all at once, I foremost, then yourselves, And this shall be the sign. Full well I know That, all unanimous, they will oppose Deliv'ry of the bow and shafts to me; But thou, (proceeding with it to my seat) Eumaeus, n.o.ble friend! shalt give the bow 280 Into my grasp; then bid the women close The ma.s.sy doors, and should they hear a groan Or other noise made by the Princes shut Within the hall, let none set step abroad, But all work silent. Be the palace-door Thy charge, my good Philtius! key it fast Without a moment's pause, and fix the brace.[100]

He ended, and, returning to the hall, Resumed his seat; nor stay'd his servants long Without, but follow'd their ill.u.s.trious Lord. 290 Eurymachus was busily employ'd Turning the bow, and chafing it before The sprightly blaze, but, after all, could find No pow'r to bend it. Disappointment wrung A groan from his proud heart, and thus he said.

Alas! not only for myself I grieve, But grieve for all. Nor, though I mourn the loss Of such a bride, mourn I that loss alone, (For lovely Greecians may be found no few In Ithaca, and in the neighbour isles) 300 But should we so inferior prove at last To brave Ulysses, that no force of ours Can bend his bow, we are for ever shamed.

To whom Antinous, thus, Eupithes' son.

Not so; (as even thou art well-a.s.sured Thyself, Eurymachus!) but Phbus claims This day his own. Who then, on such a day, Would strive to bend it? Let it rather rest.

And should we leave the rings where now they stand, I trust that none ent'ring Ulysses' house 310 Will dare displace them. Cup-bearer, attend!

Serve all with wine, that, first, libation made, We may religiously lay down the bow.

Command ye too Melanthius, that he drive Hither the fairest goats of all his flocks At dawn of day, that burning first, the thighs To the ethereal archer, we may make New trial, and decide, at length, the strife.

So spake Antinous, and his counsel pleased.

The heralds, then, pour'd water on their hands, 320 While youths crown'd high the goblets which they bore From right to left, distributing to all.

When each had made libation, and had drunk Till well sufficed, then, artful to effect His shrewd designs, Ulysses thus began.

Hear, O ye suitors of the ill.u.s.trious Queen, My bosom's dictates. But I shall entreat Chiefly Eurymachus and the G.o.dlike youth Antinous, whose advice is wisely giv'n.

Tamper no longer with the bow, but leave 330 The matter with the G.o.ds, who shall decide The strife to-morrow, fav'ring whom they will.

Meantime, grant _me_ the polish'd bow, that I May trial make among you of my force, If I retain it still in like degree As erst, or whether wand'ring and defect Of nourishment have worn it all away.

He said, whom they with indignation heard Extreme, alarm'd lest he should bend the bow, And sternly thus Antinous replied. 340 Desperate vagabond! ah wretch deprived Of reason utterly! art not content?

Esteem'st it not distinction proud enough To feast with us the n.o.bles of the land?

None robs thee of thy share, thou witnessest Our whole discourse, which, save thyself alone, No needy vagrant is allow'd to hear.

Thou art befool'd by wine, as many have been, Wide-throated drinkers, unrestrain'd by rule.

Wine in the mansion of the mighty Chief 350 Pirithous, made the valiant Centaur mad Eurytion, at the Lapithaean feast.[101]

He drank to drunkenness, and being drunk, Committed great enormities beneath Pirithous' roof, and such as fill'd with rage The Hero-guests; who therefore by his feet Dragg'd him right through the vestibule, amerced Of nose and ears, and he departed thence Provoked to frenzy by that foul disgrace, Whence war between the human kind arose 360 And the bold Centaurs--but he first incurred By his ebriety that mulct severe.

Great evil, also, if thou bend the bow, To thee I prophesy; for thou shalt find Advocate or protector none in all This people, but we will dispatch thee hence Incontinent on board a sable bark To Echetus, the scourge of human kind, From whom is no escape. Drink then in peace, And contest shun with younger men than thou. 370 Him answer'd, then, Penelope discrete.

Antinous! neither seemly were the deed Nor just, to maim or harm whatever guest Whom here arrived Telemachus receives.

Canst thou expect, that should he even prove Stronger than ye, and bend the ma.s.sy bow, He will conduct me hence to his own home, And make me his own bride? No such design His heart conceives, or hope; nor let a dread So vain the mind of any overcloud 380 Who banquets here, since it dishonours me.

So she; to whom Eurymachus reply'd, Offspring of Polybus. O matchless Queen!

Icarius' prudent daughter! none suspects That thou wilt wed with him; a mate so mean Should ill become thee; but we fear the tongues Of either s.e.x, lest some Achaian say Hereafter, (one inferior far to us) Ah! how unworthy are they to compare With him whose wife they seek! to bend his bow 390 Pa.s.s'd all their pow'r, yet this poor vagabond, Arriving from what country none can tell, Bent it with ease, and shot through all the rings.

So will they speak, and so shall we be shamed.

Then answer, thus, Penelope return'd.

No fair report, Eurymachus, attends Their names or can, who, riotous as ye, The house dishonour, and consume the wealth Of such a Chief. Why shame ye thus _yourselves_?