Suitors Stage a Brawl

5Thus fiercely did they wrangle as they stood
Beside the polished threshold and before
The lofty gates. The stout Antinous heard,
And, laughing heartily, bespoke the rest: —

6“Here, friends, is what we never yet have had.
Behold the pleasant pastime which the gods
Provide for us. These men —the stranger here,
And Irus —quarrel, and will come to blows.
Let us stand by and bring the combat on.”

7He spoke. All rose with laughter and came round
The ragged beggars, while Eupeithes’ son,
Antinous, in these words harangued the rest: —

8“You noble suitors, hear me. At the fire
Already lie the paunches of two goats,
Preparing for our evening meal, and both
Are filled with fat and blood. Whoever shows
Himself the better man in this affray,
And conquers, he shall take the one of these
He chooses, and shall ever afterward
Feast at our table, and no man but he
Shall ever come among us asking alms.”

9He ended. All approved his words, and thus
Odysseus, craftily dissembling, said: —