The Bow Passed Amid Taunts

38Meantime the worthy swineherd bore the bow
In hand, and all along the palace-halls
The suitor-crew were chiding him aloud,
And thus an insolent youth among them spoke: —

39“You awkward swineherd, whither go you
With the curved bow? Your own fleet dogs which you
Have reared shall soon devour you, far from men
And midst your herds of swine, if we find grace
With Phoebus and the other deathless gods.”

40Such were their words; the swineherd where he stood
Set down the bow in fear, for many a voice
Called to him in the hall. On the other side
Shouted Telemachus with threatening words: —

41“Nay, father, carry on the bow, nor think
To stop at every man’s command; lest I,
Though younger than yourself, cast stones at you,
And chase you to the fields, for I in strength
Excel you. Would that I excelled as far
In strength of arm the suitors in these halls,
Then would I roughly through the palace-gates
Drive many who are plotting mischief now.”

42He spoke, and all with hearty laughter heard
His words, and for their sake allowed their wrath
Against the prince to cool. The swineherd went
Forward, along the hall, and, drawing near
The wise Odysseus, gave into his hands
The bow; and then he called the nurse aside,
Dame Eurycleia, and bespoke her thus: —