And here leave fixed the ringlets in a row.

Now bid the sewer approach, and let us join

In due libations, and in rites divine,

So end our night: before the day shall spring,

The choicest offerings let Melanthius bring:

Let then to Phœbus’ name the fatted thighs

Feed the rich smokes high curling to the skies.

So shall the patron of these arts bestow

(For his the gift) the skill to bend the bow.”


They heard well pleased: the ready heralds bring

The cleansing waters from the limpid spring:

The goblet high with rosy wine they crown’d,

In order circling to the peers around.

That rite complete, uprose the thoughtful man,

And thus his meditated scheme began:


“If what I ask your noble minds approve,

Ye peers and rivals in the royal love!

Chief, if it hurt not great Antinous’ ear

(Whose sage decision I with wonder hear),

And if Eurymachus the motion please:

Give Heaven this day and rest the bow in peace.

To-morrow let your arms dispute the prize,

And take it he, the favour’d of the skies!

But, since till then this trial you delay,

Trust it one moment to my hands to-day:

Fain would I prove, before your judging eyes,

What once I was, whom wretched you despise:

If yet this arm its ancient force retain;

Or if my woes (a long-continued train)

And wants and insults, make me less than man.”


Rage flash’d in lightning from the suitors’ eyes,

Yet mixed with terror at the bold emprise.

Antinous then: “O miserable guest!

Is common sense quite banish’d from thy breast?

Sufficed it not, within the palace placed,

To sit distinguish’d, with our presence graced,

Admitted here with princes to confer,

A man unknown, a needy wanderer?

To copious wine this insolence we owe,

And much thy betters wine can overthrow:

The great Eurytion, when this frenzy stung,

Pirithous’ roofs with frantic riot rung;

Boundless the Centaur raged; till one and all

The heroes rose, and dragg’d him from the hall;