Melanthius’s insult

21So talked they with each other. Now appeared
Melanthius, keeper of the goats. He brought
Goats for the suitors’ banquet; they were choice
Beyond all others. With him also came
Two goatherds. In the echoing portico
He bound his goats. He saw Odysseus there,
And thus accosted him with railing words: —

22“Stranger, are you still here, the palace pest,
And begging still, and will you never depart?
We shall not end this quarrel, I perceive,
Till you have tried the flavor of my fist.
It is not decent to be begging here
Continually; the Greeks have other feasts.”

23He spoke; Odysseus answered not, but shook
His head in silence, planning fearful things.