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136 On this he put the bow down, letting it lean against the door [that led into the house] with the arrow standing against the top of the bow. Then he sat down on the seat from which he had risen, and Antinoos said:

141 "Come on each of you in his turn, going towards the right from the place at which the cupbearer begins when he is handing round the wine."

143 The rest agreed, and Leiodes son of Oinops was the first to rise. He was sacrificial priest to the suitors, and sat in the corner near the mixing-bowl. He was the only man to whom their evil deeds were hateful [ ekhthra]and was indignant with the others. He was now the first to take the bow and arrow, so he went on to the pavement to make his trial, but he could not string the bow, for his hands were weak and unused to hard work, they therefore soon grew tired, and he said to the suitors, "My friends, I cannot string it; let another have it; this bow shall take the life and soul [ psukhê] out of many a chief among us, for it is better to die than to live after having missed the prize that we have so long striven for, and which has brought us so long together. Some one of us is even now hoping and praying that he may marry Penelope, but when he has seen this bow and tried it, let him woo and make bridal offerings to some other woman, and let Penelope marry whoever makes her the best offer and whose lot it is to win her."

163 On this he put the bow down, letting it lean against the door, with the arrow standing against the tip of the bow. Then he took his seat again on the seat from which he had risen; and Antinoos rebuked him saying:

Odyssey. Homer. Samuel Butler (Translator). London. 1900 (?).

Current edition Perseus

Odyssey (English) (Homer. The Odyssey: rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original. Butler, Samuel, 1835-1902, translator. Revised by Timothy Power and Gregory Nagy. London: A.C. Fifield, 1900.)

Editions (1)

Ὀδύσσεια Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), editor. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.) — 21.118 focus

ἦ καὶ ἀπʼ ὤμοιϊν χλαῖναν θέτο φοινικόεσσαν

ὀρθὸς ἀναΐξας, ἀπὸ δὲ ξίφος ὀξὺ θέτʼ ὤμων.

πρῶτον μὲν πελέκεας στῆσεν, διὰ τάφρον ὀρύξας

120

πᾶσι μίαν μακρήν, καὶ ἐπὶ στάθμην ἴθυνεν,

ἀμφὶ δὲ γαῖαν ἔναξε· τάφος δʼ ἕλε πάντας ἰδόντας,

ὡς εὐκόσμως στῆσε· πάρος δʼ οὐ πώ ποτʼ ὀπώπει.

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ οὐδὸν ἰὼν καὶ τόξου πειρήτιζε.

τρὶς μέν μιν πελέμιξεν ἐρύσσεσθαι μενεαίνων,

125

τρὶς δὲ μεθῆκε βίης, ἐπιελπόμενος τό γε θυμῷ,

νευρὴν ἐντανύειν διοϊστεύσειν τε σιδήρου.

καί νύ κε δή ῥʼ ἐτάνυσσε βίῃ τὸ τέταρτον ἀνέλκων,

ἀλλʼ Ὀδυσεὺς ἀνένευε καὶ ἔσχεθεν ἱέμενόν περ.

τοῖς δʼ αὖτις μετέειφʼ ἱερὴ ἲς Τηλεμάχοιο·

130

ὢ πόποι, ἦ καὶ ἔπειτα κακός τʼ ἔσομαι καὶ ἄκικυς,

ἠὲ νεώτερός εἰμι καὶ οὔ πω χερσὶ πέποιθα

ἄνδρʼ ἀπαμύνασθαι, ὅτε τις πρότερος χαλεπήνῃ.

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ, οἵ περ ἐμεῖο βίῃ προφερέστεροί ἐστε,

τόξου πειρήσασθε, καὶ ἐκτελέωμεν ἄεθλον.

135

ὣς εἰπὼν τόξον μὲν ἀπὸ ἕο θῆκε χαμᾶζε,

κλίνας κολλητῇσιν ἐϋξέστῃς σανίδεσσιν,

αὐτοῦ δʼ ὠκὺ βέλος καλῇ προσέκλινε κορώνῃ,

ἂψ δʼ αὖτις κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετʼ ἐπὶ θρόνου ἔνθεν ἀνέστη.

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀντίνοος μετέφη, Εὐπείθεος υἱός·

140

ὄρνυσθʼ ἑξείης ἐπιδέξια πάντες ἑταῖροι,

ἀρξάμενοι τοῦ χώρου ὅθεν τέ περ οἰνοχοεύει.

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀντίνοος, τοῖσιν δʼ ἐπιήνδανε μῦθος.

Λειώδης δὲ πρῶτος ἀνίστατο, Οἴνοπος υἱός,

ὅ σφι θυοσκόος ἔσκε, παρὰ κρητῆρα δὲ καλὸν

145

ἷζε μυχοίτατος αἰέν· ἀτασθαλίαι δέ οἱ οἴῳ

ἐχθραὶ ἔσαν, πᾶσιν δὲ νεμέσσα μνηστήρεσσιν·

ὅς ῥα τότε πρῶτος τόξον λάβε καὶ βέλος ὠκύ.

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ οὐδὸν ἰὼν καὶ τόξου πειρήτιζεν,

οὐδέ μιν ἐντάνυσε· πρὶν γὰρ κάμε χεῖρας ἀνέλκων

150

ἀτρίπτους ἁπαλάς· μετὰ δὲ μνηστῆρσιν ἔειπεν·

ὦ φίλοι, οὐ μὲν ἐγὼ τανύω, λαβέτω δὲ καὶ ἄλλος.

πολλοὺς γὰρ τόδε τόξον ἀριστῆας κεκαδήσει

θυμοῦ καὶ ψυχῆς, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτερόν ἐστι

τεθνάμεν ἢ ζώοντας ἁμαρτεῖν, οὗθʼ ἕνεκʼ αἰεὶ

155

ἐνθάδʼ ὁμιλέομεν, ποτιδέγμενοι ἤματα πάντα.

νῦν μέν τις καὶ ἔλπετʼ ἐνὶ φρεσὶν ἠδὲ μενοινᾷ

γῆμαι Πηνελόπειαν, Ὀδυσσῆος παράκοιτιν.

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν τόξου πειρήσεται ἠδὲ ἴδηται,

ἄλλην δή τινʼ ἔπειτα Ἀχαιϊάδων εὐπέπλων

160

μνάσθω ἐέδνοισιν διζήμενος· ἡ δέ κʼ ἔπειτα

γήμαιθʼ ὅς κε πλεῖστα πόροι καὶ μόρσιμος ἔλθοι.

Translations (8)

Odyssey Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), translator. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.) — 21.118 focus

With this he flung the scarlet cloak from off his back, and sprang up erect; and he laid his sharp sword from off his shoulders. 120 First then he set up the axes, when he had dug a trench, one long trench for all, and made it straight to the line, and about them he stamped in the earth. And amazement seized all who saw him, that he set them out so orderly, though before he had never seen them. Then he went and stood upon the threshold, and began to try the bow. 125 Thrice he made it quiver in his eagerness to draw it, and thrice he relaxed his effort, though in his heart he hoped to string the bow and shoot an arrow through the iron. And now at the last he would haply have strung it in his might, as for the fourth time he sought to draw up the string, but Odysseus nodded in dissent, and checked him in his eagerness. 130 Then the strong and mighty Telemachus spoke among them again: “Out on it, even in days to come shall I be a coward and a weakling, or else I am too young, and have not yet trust in my might to defend me against a man, when one waxes wroth without a cause. But, come now, you that are mightier than I, 135 make trial of the bow, and let us end the contest.” So saying, he set the bow from him on the ground, leaning it against the jointed, polished door, and hard by he leaned the swift arrow against the fair bow-tip, and then sat down again on the seat from which he had risen. 140 Then Antinous, son of Eupeithes, spoke among them: “Rise up in order, all you of our company, from left to right, beginning from the place where the cupbearer pours the wine.” So spoke Antinous, and his word was pleasing to them. Then first arose Leiodes, son of Oenops, 145 who was their soothsayer, and ever sat by the fair mixing-bowl in the innermost part of the hall; deeds of wanton folly were hateful to him alone, and he was full of indignation at all the wooers. He it was who now first took the bow and swift arrow, and he went and stood upon the threshold, and began to try the bow; 150 but he could not string it. Ere that might be his hands grew weary, as he sought to draw up the string, his unworn delicate hands; and he spoke among the wooers: “Friends, it is not I that shall string it; let another take it. For many princes shall this bow rob of spirit and of life, since verily it is better far 155 to die than to live on and fail of that for the sake of which we ever gather here, waiting expectantly day after day. Now many a man even hopes in his heart and desires to wed Penelope, the wife of Odysseus; but when he shall have made trial of the bow, and seen the outcome, thereafter let him woo 160 some other of the fair-robed Achaean women with his gifts, and seek to win her; then should Penelope wed him who offers most, and who comes as her fated lord.”

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 21.118 focus

As he spoke he sprang from his seat, threw his crimson cloak from him, and took his sword from his shoulder. [120] First he set the axes in a row, in a long groove which he had dug for them, and had made straight by line. Then he stamped the earth tight round them, and everyone was surprised when they saw him set up so orderly, though he had never seen anything of the kind before. This done, he went on to the pavement to make trial of the bow; [125] three times did he tug at it, trying with all his might to draw the string, and three times he had to rest his strength [ biē], though he had hoped to string the bow and shoot through the iron. He was trying, with all his strength [ biē], for the fourth time, and would have strung it had not Odysseus made a sign to check him in spite of all his eagerness. [130] So he said:

“Alas! I shall either be always feeble and of no prowess, or I am too young, and have not yet reached my full strength so as to be able to hold my own if any one attacks me. You others, therefore, who have more strength [ biē] than I, [135] make trial of the bow and get this contest [ āthlos] settled.” Then he put the bow down, letting it lean against the door [that led into the house] with the arrow standing against the top of the bow. Then he sat down on the seat from which he had risen, [140] and Antinoos, son of Eupeithes, said:

“Come on each of you in his turn, going towards the right from the place at which the cupbearer begins when he is handing round the wine.”

The rest agreed, and Leiodes, son of Oinops, was the first to rise. [145] He was sacrificial priest to the suitors, and sat in the corner near the mixing-bowl. He was the only man to whom their evil deeds were hateful [ ekhthrai] and was indignant with the others. He was now the first to take the bow and arrow, so he went on to the pavement to make his trial, [150] but he could not string the bow, for his hands were weak and unused to hard work, they therefore soon grew tired, and he said to the suitors, “My friends, I cannot string it; let another have it; this bow shall take the life and spirit [ psūkhē] out of many a chief among us, for it is better to die [155] than to live after having missed the prize that we have so long striven for, and which has brought us so long together. Some one of us is even now hoping and praying that he may marry Penelope, wife of Odysseus, but when he has seen this bow and tried it, [160] let him woo and make bridal offerings to some other fair-robed woman, and let Penelope marry whoever makes her the best offer and whose lot it is to win her.”

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873)) — 21.118 focus

He spake and, rising, from his shoulders took

The purple cloak, and laid the trenchant sword

Aside; and first he placed the rings of steel

In order, opening for them in the ground

A long trench by a line, and stamping close

150

The earth around them. All admired the skill

With which he ranged them, never having seen

The game before. And then he took his place

Upon the threshold, and essayed the bow;

And thrice he made the attempt, and thrice gave o'er,

155

Yet hoping still to draw the cord, and send

An arrow through the rings. He would have drawn

The bow at the fourth trial, but a nod

Given by his father caused him to forbear,

Though eager for the attempt. And then again

160

The princely youth bespake the suitors thus: —

"Well, this is strange! I may hereafter prove

A craven and a weakling, or perchance

Am yet too young, and cannot trust my arm

To do me right against the man who first

165

Assaults me. Come then, ye whose strength excels

My own, and try the bow, and end the strife."

He spake, and setting down the bow to lean

Against the firm smooth panels of the wall,

And the swift shaft against the bow's fair curve,

170

He took again his seat upon the throne

From which he rose. And then Eupeithes' son,

Antinoüs, to the crowd of suitors said: -

"Rise one by one, my friends, from right to left.

Begin where he begins who pours the wine."

175

So spake Antinoüs, and the rest approved.

Then rose Leiodes, son of Enops, first.

He was their seer, and always had his seat

Beside the ample bowl. From deeds of wrong

He shrank with hatred, and was sore incensed

180

Against the suitors all. He took the bow

And shaft, and, going to the threshold, stood

And tried the bow, yet bent it not; it galled

His hands, for they were soft, and all unused

To such a task; and thus at length he spake :

185

"O friends, I bend it not; another hand

Must try. This bow, upon this very spot,

Will take from many a prince the breath of life.

And better were it thus to die, by far,

Than, living, fail of that intent for which

190

We haunt this place, and still from day to day

Assemble. There is many a one whose wish

And hope are strong to wed Penelope,

The consort of Ulysses; but so soon

As he shall see and try the hero's bow

195

Let him with marriage presents seek to gain

Some other bride among the long-robed dames,

Achaia's daughters. Let him leave the queen

To wed the suitor who shall bring to her

The richest gifts, and him whom fate appoints."

200

He spake, and setting down the bow to lean

Against the firm smooth panels of the wall,

And the swift shaft against the bow's fair curve,

He took again his seat upon the throne

From which he rose. Antinoüs then took up

205

The word and answered, and reproached him thus:-

“What words are these, Leiodes, that have passed

Thy lips? harsh words and fearful, - that this bow

Shall take from many princes here the breath

Of life, and all because thou hast no power

210

To bend it? Thy good mother bore thee not

To draw the bow and send the arrow forth,

But others of the noble suitor-train

Are here, by whom this bow shall yet be bent."

English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858)) — 21.118 focus

He spoke; then, rising, his broad sword unbound,

And cast his purple garment on the ground.

A trench he open'd; in a line he placed

125

The level axes, and the points made fast.

(His perfect skill the wondering gazers ey'd,

The game as yet unseen, as yet untried.)

Then, with a manly pace, he took his stand,

And grasp'd the bow, and twang'd it in his hand.

130

Three times, with beating heart, he made essay;

Three times, unequal to the task, gave way;

A modest boldness on his cheek appear'd;

And thrice he hoped, and thrice again he fear'd.

The fourth had drawn it. The great sire with joy

135

Beheld, but with a sign forbade the boy.

His ardour straight th' obedient prince suppress'd,

And, artful, thus the suitor-train address'd:

"O lay the cause on youth yet immature!

(For Heaven forbid such weakness should endure!)

140

How shall this arm, unequal to the bow,

Retort an insult, or repel a foe?

But you! whom Heaven with better nerves has bless'd,

Accept the trial, and the prize contest."

He cast the bow before him, and apart

145

Against the polish'd quiver propp'd the dart.

Resuming then his seat, Eupithes' son,

The bold Antinoüs, to the rest begun:

"From where the goblet first begins to flow,

From right to left in order take the bow;

150

And prove your several strengths."—The princes heard,

And first Leiodes, blameless priest, appear'd:

The eldest born of Œnops' noble race,

Who next the goblet held his holy place;

He, only he, of all the suitor throng,

155

Their deeds detested, and abjur'd the wrong.

With tender hands the stubborn horn he strains,

The stubborn horn resisted all his pains!

Already in despair he gives it o'er:

"Take it who will," (he cries,) "I strive no more.

160

What numerous deaths attend this fatal bow!

What souls and spirits shall it send below!

Better, indeed, to die, and fairly give

Nature her debt, than disappointed live,

With each new sun to some new hope a prey,

165

Yet still to-morrow falser than to-day.

How long in vain Penelope we sought!

This bow shall ease us of that idle thought,

And send us with some humbler wife to live,

Whom gold shall gain, or destiny shall give."

170

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 21.118 focus

And from him presently his coat did throw

And sword, and then fell to delineate

The ground whereon the axes were to stand.

105

On one long line he set them all upright.

The wooers admir'd the justness of his hand ;

For why the like was ne'er done in his sight.

Then went he to the sill to try the bow.

Thrice he essay'd it, and was near it still.

110

And thrice again relenting let it go.

Once more had done it. But 'twas not his will;

For then his father check'd him with a wink.

Alas ! then, said Telemachus, must this

Be all my strength ? Too young I am, I think.

115

Come, let one take the bow that elder is.

This said, the bow and arrow he laid by,

And to the seat went where he sat before.

Then, said Antinous, The bow let's try,

In order as we sit. Let him therefore

120

Try first, whose table next the cupboard is,

And so to the right hand up, one by one.

The other suitors all approved this.

Leiodes was the first; so he begun;

His place was low'st. He to the threshold went

125

To try his force ; but to his tender hand

And feeble arms the bow would not relent.

Then down he laid it there, and lets it stand;

And to the suitors spake: This bow, says he,

I cannot bend, some other take't in hand.

130

It's like of many lords the death to be.

When by the strongest it comes to be mann'd.

For better 'tis to die than live and miss

The hopes you hither come for ev'ry day.

And what is 't any of you hope but this,

135

That you Ulysses' consort marry may ?

But when he shall this bow have understood,

Let him some other lady woo at ease

Amongst th' Achaeans whom he shall think good,

And let Penelope take whom she please.

140

English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 21.118 focus

His purple robe he cast off; by he laid

170

His well-edged sword; and, first, a several pit

He digg'd for every axe, and strengthen'd it

With earth close ramm'd about it; on a rew

Set them, of one height, by a line he drew

Along the whole twelve; and so orderly

175

Did every deed belonging (yet his eye

Never before beholding how 'twas done)

That in amaze rose all his lookers on.

Then stood he near the door, and proved to draw

The stubborn bow. Thrice tried, and thrice gave law

180

To his uncrown'd attempts; the fourth assay

With all force offering, which a sign gave stay

Given by his father; though he show'd a mind

As if he stood right heartily inclined

To perfect the exploit, when all was done

185

In only drift to set the Wooers on.

His weakness yet confess'd, he said: "O shame!

I either shall be ever of no name,

But prove a wretch; or else I am too young,

And must not now presume on powers so strong

190

As sinews yet more growing may engraft,

To turn a man quite over with a shaft.

Besides, to men whose nerves are best prepared,

All great adventures at first proof are hard.

But come, you stronger men, attempt this bow,

195

And let us end our labour." Thus, below

A well-join'd board he laid it, and close by

The brightly-headed shaft; then throned his thigh

Amidst his late-left seat. Antinous then

Bade all arise; but first, who did sustain

200

The cup's state ever, and did sacrifice

Before they ate still, and that man bade rise,

Since on the other's right hand he was placed,

Because he held the right hand's rising, graced

With best success still. This discretion won

205

Supreme applause; and first rose Enops' son,

Liodes, that was priest to all the rest,

Sat lowest with the cup still, and their jest

Could never like, but ever was the man

That check'd their follies; and he now began

210

To taste the bow, the sharp shaft took, tugg'd hard,

And held aloft, and, till he quite had marr'd

His delicate tender fingers, could not stir

The churlish string; who therefore did refer

The game to others, saying, that same bow,

215

In his presage, would prove the overthrow

Of many a chief man there; nor thought the fate

Was any whit austere, since death's short date

Were much the better taken, than long life

Without the object of their amorous strife,

220

For whom they had burn'd out so many days

To find still other, nothing but delays

Obtaining in them; and affirm'd that now

Some hoped to have her, but when that tough bow

They all had tried, and seen the utmost done,

225

They must rest pleased to cease; and now some one

Of all their other fair-veil'd Grecian dames

With gifts, and dower, and Hymeneal flames,

Let her love light to him that most will give,

And whom the nuptial destiny did drive."

230

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 21.118 focus

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

145

By line, and opening 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.

And now the fourth time striving with full force

He had prevail'd to string it, but his sire

155

Forbad his eager efforts by a sign.

Then thus the royal youth to all around.

Gods! 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 surpassing mine,) try ye

The bow, and bring this contest to an end.

He ceased, and set the bow down on the floor,

Reclining it against the pannels smooth

165

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 risen, return'd.

Then thus Eupithes' son, Antinoüs spake.

My friends! ! come forth successive from the right,

170

Where he who ministers the cup begins.

So spake Antinoüs, and his counsel pleased.

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

He was their soothsayer, and ever sat

Beside the beaker, inmost of them all.

175

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 assembly thus bespake.

My friends, I speed not; let another try;

For many Princes shall this bow of life

185

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

195

Shall please her most, and whom the Fates ordain.

English (H. B. Cotterill, 1911) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (H. B. Cotterill, 1911)) — 21 focus

ODYSSEY BOOK XXI

NOW did a thought that was sent by the grey-eyed goddess Athene

Come to the daughter of Icarius, wise Penelopeia,

Bidding her carry the bow and the cold grey axes of iron

Into the hall for the contest—beginning of death for the suitors.

So by the stair that ascended aloft to her chamber she mounted.

Here with her fair strong hand she selected a well-curved door-key,

Beautiful, bronzen; and fitted thereon was an ivory handle.

Then to the room of the treasure she went with her maiden attendants,

Even the innermost room where stored was the wealth of her husband,

Many a rich-wrought treasure of bronze and of gold and of iron.

Here was the back-bent bow of Odysseus and here was the quiver

Holding the shafts, full many an arrow, the bringer of anguish,

Gifts of a friend he had met when he journeyed to fair Lacedaemon,

Iphitus, Eurytus' son, who was like the immortals of heaven.

Once in Messenian land they had lighted the one on the other,

E'en at the house of the wise prince Orsilochus for Odysseus

Thither had come for a debt that was owing from all of the people,

Since in their well-benched vessels Messenian robbers had carried

Off from the Ithacan isle three hundred sheep with the shepherds.

These to recover Odysseus had come from afar as an envoy.

Though but a lad he was sent by his sire and the rest of the elders.

Iphitus also was there; he had lost, and was seeking, his horses,

Twelve of them, mares, each one with a strong young mule at the udder.

(These same mares proved later his bane and the cause of his murder

While he was guest of the man who was son of Cronion, the dauntless

Hercules—wight that was guilty of many a terrible action;

Yea and he slew him, although as a friend he was there in his homestead,

Wickedly slew him despite of the wrath of the gods and the table

Spread by his hands for a stranger; and, after the man he had murdered,

Also the strong-hoof'd horses he kept for himself at his palace.)

Questing for these he had met with Odysseus, and gave him the weapon,

Even the bow that the great prince Eurytus carried, and later

Left to his son when he died in the high-roofed hall of his homestead.

Him with a sharp-edged sword and a powerful lance did Odysseus

Also present a beginning of intimate friendship; but neither

Shared of the bread of the other before by the son of Cronion

Murdered was Iphitus, Eurytus' son, who was like the immortals.

Such was the friend who had given the bow; but the godlike Odysseus

Never, when warring he went and aboard of his black-hulled vessels,

Took it, but aye it remained, of his well-loved friend a remembrance,

Lying at home, or alone in his native country he bare it.

Now when she came to the room of the treasure, that fairest of women,

Up to the threshold of oak she advanced, which once by the joiner

Smoothly was planed and was cut to the line with the skill of a master

(Posts he had fitted thereto and the glittering doors to the door-posts).

Straightway deftly she loosened the strap that was bound to the handle;

Then she inserted the key, and the bolt of the portal she shot back,

Pressing with accurate aim; and as grazing alone in a meadow

Bellows a bull, thus bellowed the doors of the beautiful portal,

Smit by the stroke of the key; and they both flew open before her.

Then on the high-built dais she stept, where many a coffer

Stood, in the which were lying her treasures of fragrant apparel.

Here outstretching her hand to the bow of Odysseus, she took it

Off from the peg where sheathed in its glittering case it was hanging.

Then did she seat her, and laying it down on her knees she beheld it

Bitterly weeping, and drew from its cover the bow of her husband,

Till, when at last she had sated her soul with her weeping and wailing,

Back to the hall she betook her and came to the arrogant suitors

Bearing the back-bent bow, and carrying also the quiver

Laden with shafts—full many an arrow, the bringer of anguish.

Maidens as well came after her bearing a basket with treasures,

Iron and bronze, full many a prize once gained by Odysseus.

So when at last she had come to the suitors, that fairest of women

Stood by the post of the door of the massively builded apartment,

Holding in front of her cheeks soft folds of her glistering head-dress.

There as she stood, with a trusty attendant on this and on that side,

Straightway unto the suitors she spake, and thus she addressed them :

"Listen, ye arrogant suitors incessantly haunting my homestead,

Vexing it ever and ever again with your bouts and your banquets

These long years that my lord was away—and never a pretext

Other in all that ye said did ye offer (nor could ye invent one)

Save that ye longed to possess me as wife and to force me to marry.

Come now, suitors! Behold, since such is the prize ye compete for,

Here is the bow of the godlike Odysseus! I lay it before you.

Who with his hands most easily stringeth the bow of my husband,

Should he be able to shoot clean through all twelve of the axes,

Him will I follow as wife, and shall bid farewell to this mansion,

Beautiful, beautiful home of my girlhood, abounding in comfort,

Home that I often in future, methinks, in my dreams shall remember."

Thus did she speak, and she bade Eumaeus, the good old swineherd,

Place for the suitors the bow and the cold grey axes of iron.

Bursting in tears Eumaeus received them and laid them in order.

Also the cowherd lamented, beholding the bow of his master.

Then spake Antinous and addressed them and rudely rebuked them:

“ Babies and boors, that regard but the things of the day as it passeth!

Wherefore, you couple of blubbering fools, thus trouble the lady,

Stirring the heart in her bosom again, when her spirit already

Lay o'erwhelmed in its grief at the loss of her well-loved husband?

Nay now, sit at the feast and be silent—or, must ye be weeping,

Get to the door and be gone!—But the bow .. ye can leave it behind you.

Fatal, methinks, 'twill prove as a test for the suitors. I trow not

Easy to bend and to string is the smooth-wrought bow that I see there.

Yea, for of all of us here there's never a man that is present

Such as of yore was Odysseus. I saw him myself and remember,

Well I remember, although I was only a child when I saw him."

Thus did he speak, while deep in his heart he was hoping to prove him

First of his fellows at stringing the bow and at piercing the axes.

Ay but as first of them all he was fated to taste of an arrow

Sped by the hands of the noble Odysseus, whom lately he flouted,

Sitting at meat in his hall and inciting the others against him.

100

Then spake Telemachus, young valiant prince, to the suitors :

"Heavens! it seemeth that Father Cronion has robbed me of reason!

Here is my own dear mother, although of a good understanding,

Saying she meaneth to follow a stranger and part from her homestead.

Yea and I laugh and rejoice when I hear it as reft of my senses!

105

Well now, suitors, behold! Since such is the prize ye compete for,

Even a lady unrivalled in all of the land of Achaea,

Also in Pylos the fair, and in Argive land and Mycene,

Nay on the Ithacan island itself and the dim dark mainland—

Ah, but ye know it yourselves, and my praise of my mother is needleess.

110

Come, and delay no more with excuses! Arise, and defer not

Longer the trial of stringing the bow! Let us see what shall happen!

Ay and myself were fain to attempt this bow of my father.

Should I be able to string it and pierce with an arrow the axes,

Then shall my mother the queen not leave me alone in my sorrow,

115

Quitting her home as the wife of a stranger, nor leave me behind her,

Should I be able to win me the glorious arms of my father."

E'en as he spake from his neck he unfastened his mantle of crimson,

Sprang to his feet, and unbuckled the sharp-edged sword from his shoulder.

Firstly the axes he fixed in the ground in a trench that he hollowed,

120

One long trench for them all, and straight in a line he arranged them,

Stamping around them the earth—And astonishment seized the beholders,

Seeing him set them in order, although he had learnt it from no one.

Then to the threshold he went and to master the bow he attempted.

Thrice did he make it to quiver in trying to pull it towards him,

125

Thrice did his strength give way; but he hoped natheless in his spirit

Still to be able to string it and pierce with an arrow the axes;

Yea he had strung it perhaps, for the fourth time mightily tugging,

Had not his eager attempt been checked by a nod from Odysseus.

Then did the valiant prince once more to the suitors address him:

130

"Heavens, methinks I shall prove in the end but a coward and weakling!

Else, maybe, I am still but a youth, nor as yet can I trust me

Unto the strength of my hands, should any assail me in anger.

Come now, ye that excel me in bodily strength and in manhood,

Make an essay of the bow! Let us hasten to finish the contest!"

135

These words spoken, the bow from his hands he surrender'd, and placed it

Leaning aslant on the door smooth-polished and finely compacted;

Also the shaft keen-pointed he propped by the beautiful bow-tip.

So he reseated himself on the chair from the which he had risen.

Then spake Antinous, Eupeithes' son, and addressed them :

140

"Rise now, all of my mates! From the left hand make a beginning,

E'en from the place at the which he beginneth that filleth the wine-cups."

So spake Antinous, and his words pleased all of the others.

First of them Oenops' son, Leiodes, rose at his bidding.

He was the priest and diviner, and nigh to the beautiful wine-bowl

145

Innermost ever he sat; and alone in his heart he detested

All the infatuate deeds of the suitors, and viewed them with anger.

Such was the man who was foremost to handle the bow and the arrow.

Up to the threshold he went, and to master the bow he attempted,

Nor was he able to string it, for ere it was bent he was weary

150

Straining his unworn delicate hands; and he said to the suitors:

"Friends, I am wholly unable to string it. I leave it to others.

Ay and this weapon shall rob full many a man, and a brave one,

Soon of his life and his spirit. Indeed far better I hold it

So to be slain than to live and for ever to fail in obtaining

155

All that we vainly expected resorting incessantly hither.

Many a man of us still has a hope in his heart and a longing

Penelopeia to marry, the wife of the godlike Odysseus

Yet I believe when he seeth the bow and essayeth to bend it

Then 'twere wiser a wife of the long-robed maids of Achaea

160

Other to seek and to win with his bride-gifts, letting the lady

Marry the wooer that giveth the most and is destined to wed her."

These words spoken, the bow from his hands he surrender'd and placed it

Leaning aslant on the door smooth-polished and finely compacted;

Also the shaft keen-pointed he propped by the beautiful bow-tip.

165

So he reseated himself on the chair from the which he had risen.

Then spake Antinous and addressed him and rudely rebuked him:

"Leiodes, what word from the door of thy lips hath escaped thee?

Grievous, insulting, I hold it. It rouses my anger to hear thee.

What! shall a bow like this rob many a man and a brave one

170

Soon of his life and his spirit because thou failest to bend it ?

Navy, at thy birth, I assure thee, the lady thy mother produced not

One that was meant for a drawer of bows or a shooter of arrows.

Others among the illustrious suitors will easily string it."

Thus did he speak, and he called to Melanthius master of goatherds:

175

"Ho there! kindle a flame on the hearth of the palace, Melantheus!

Station a good-sized settle anigh with a cover of sheepskin,

Fetch us moreover a ball of the fat that is stored in the larder;

Then shall the young men melt it, and oiling the bow with the unguent

Make an essay at the stringing and speedily finish the contest."

180

Quick at the word was rekindled the restless flame by Melantheus.

Nigh it a good-sized settle he placed with a cover of sheepskin;

Also he fetched them a ball of the fat that was stored in the larder.

This did the young men melt, and they made the attempt; but they could not

String it. The strength for the feat was in all of them utterly wanting.

185

Antinous held back and Eurymachus the heroic,

Chief of the suitors and stronger by far than the others and braver.

Now those twain had withdrawn them, the one by the side of the other,

Even the cowherd and also the swineherd of godlike Odysseus.

Following after them went from the palace Odysseus the hero,

190

Till, when at length they had passed outside of the gate and the courtyard,

Then he uplifted his voice and with words right gentle addressed them :

"Cowherd, and thou, Eumaeus, a thing I am wishing to tell you.

Or shall I hide it within me? My spirit commands me to say it.

What is it like you'd prove in assisting Odysseus, if haply

195

All of a sudden he came from afar and a deity brought him?

Would ye decide on defending the suitors or helping Odysseus?

Speak to me openly! Answer as heart and as spirit command you."

Him gave answer the man who as cowherd tended the cattle:

"Zeus, our Father! if only thou gav'st this prayer a fulfilment :

200

O for the master to come! to be brought by a deity hither!

Then thou'dst learn of my strength and behold how ready my hands be!"

Likewise spake Eumaeus, and calling on all the immortals

Prayed for Odysseus the wise to return once more to his homeland.

Now when we saw that the hearts of the men were steadfastly loyal,

205

Once more speaking he gave them an answer, and thus he addressed them :

"Lo, it is I that am here in my home! Great hardships I suffered.

Now in the twentieth year I am come to the land of my fathers.

Yea and I know that my coming is wished for by none of the others,

Only by you of my thralls; for I hear none other beside you

210

Offering prayer to the gods to restore me again to my homeland.

Only to you will I say what shall happen and truly disclose it.

Should God grant it indeed that I vanquish the arrogant suitors,

Each of you then I will give an estate, and a wife I shall give him;

Homes near mine ye shall have new-builded, and ever in future

215

Even as comrades and brothers of Telemachus I shall treat you.

Come now, also a proof I will give you infallibly certain,

So that ye surely shall know me and feel in your hearts an assurance.

Here is the wound which once by a boar's white tusk was inflicted

While with the sons I was hunting of Autolycus on Parnassus."

220

Spake, and withdrawing his rags from the wound's great scar he disclosed it.

Then those twain, when they looked at it well and had marked it for certain,

Sobbed as they fell on the neck of Odysseus the wise and embraced him,

Lovingly kissing his head and his shoulders in token of welcome.

So did Odysseus as well, and kissed them on hand and on forehead;

225

Yea and the light of the sun were set on the long lamentation

Had not Odysseus himself thus bid them refrain and addressed them :

"Cease ye from wailing and weeping, I pray, lest any perceive it

Issuing forth from the hall, and return to the house and inform them.

Now let us enter again, not going together, but singly,

230

Firstly myself, then you; and let this be arranged and agreed to :

None, I am sure, of the others (I mean of the arrogant suitors)

E'er will allow that the bow shall be placed in my hands, or the quiver.

Therefore, my good Eumaeus, when bearing it round in the palace

Manage to give me the bow in my hands; then order the women,

235

Carefully barring the doors fast-closed of the inner apartment,

There to remain ; and if any shall notice a din or a groaning

Here in the hall of the men, let her nowise venture to issue

Forth of her chamber, but still at her task keep silently working.

Thou, O honest Philoetius, see to the gate of the courtyard;

240

Shut it and bolt it and fasten a rope right firmly about it."

These words spoken, he entered the pleasant abodes of the palace;

There he reseated himself on the chair from the which he had risen.

Likewise entered the twain—those thralls of the godlike Odysseus.

Now it was Eurymachus that was trying the bow, and on all sides

245

Warming it, holding it close to the heat of the flame; but to string it

E'en thus wholly he failed; and he groaned in his valiant spirit

Sorely enraged, and aloud to the others he called and addressed them :

"Heavens! I truly am grieved for myself and for all of you others.

Not for my marriage so much I lament, though great is my sorrow;

250

Many a woman is yet to be found of the race of Achaea

Here in the sea-girt Ithacan isle and in many a city.

Rather I grieve that in strength we're wholly unable to vie with

Godlike Odysseus; for here is his bow, and we have not the power

Even to string it—a thing that with men unborn will disgrace us."

255

Then spake Antinous, Eupeithes' son, and addressed him :

"No, no, Eurymachus! it shall never be thus—and thou know'st it.

Even to-day in the land is the feast of the Archer Apollo,

Festival solemn, on which none bendeth a bow. Let us calmly

Lay it aside; and the axes methinks 'twere better to leave them

260

Just so standing, for none, I am sure, will be likely to steal them,

Venturing nigh to the house of Odysseus the son of Laertes.

Come, let the bearer of wine now prime us the cups for libation.

After the wine we will stow us the well-cooked bow, and will order

Early the morrow Melanthius master of goatherds to bring us

265

Goats, prime beasts, from the whole of his flock as the fattest selected.

So we shall offer the meat of the thighs to the Archer Apollo,

Then once more of the bow make trial and finish the contest."

Thus spake Antinous, and his words pleased all of the others.

Forthwith water was poured on the hands of the guests by the henchmen;

270

Then did the pages, upwreathing on high with the liquor the wine-bowls,

Bear it around to them all, first priming the cups for libation.

Now when at last they had poured and had drunk to their souls' satisfaction,

Thus with a crafty design deep-plotting Odysseus addressed them

"List to my words, O suitors of far-famed Penelopeia,

275

So that I utter a thing that the heart in my bosom commands me.

Chiefly to Eurymachus and to Antinous the heroic

Now I direct my request, for in this he has spoken with reason,

Bidding you cease the essay of the bow and to leave it to heaven;

God will to-morrow the victory grant to the man that he chooseth.

280

Give me however the weapon—the smooth-wrought bow. I will test me

Here in your presence my hands and my strength, if I still am possessed of

Power as once in the supple and well-knit limbs of my body,

Or if a wanderer's life with its beggarly fare hath destroyed it."

Thus did he speak; and they all were filled with unspeakable anger,

285

Fearing the smooth-wrought bow might haply be strung by the stranger.

Then spake Antinous and addressed him and loudly rebuked him:

"Wretched ridiculous stranger! thy wits seem utterly wanting.

Art not content to be sitting at ease midst nobles and princes

Here at the banquet and share in the feast? Wilt also be spying,

290

Listing to all that we say and converse? None other beside thee,

Being a stranger and beggar as thou, e'er ventured to listen.

Wine honey-sweet hath infected thy senses, as many a mortal

Often it harms if he drains it in greedy immoderate potions.

Wine was the bane that distracted the wits of the Centaur, the famous

295

Eurytion, in the palace of Peirithous great-hearted,

While in the Lapithan land; for when wine had confounded his senses

Roused to a fury he wrought foul deeds in the house of the monarch.

Wrath then fell on the band of the heroes: rising in anger

Out of the house by the portal they dragged him, his ears and his nostrils

300

Shorn by the pitiless steel; and with wits distracted he wandered

Bearing the load of his sin with a mind that was weakened by madness.

Hence the beginning was made of the quarrel of men with the Centaurs;

Yea and he first on himself brought ruin when maddened by drinking.

Also for thee great woe I predict if thou haply accomplish

305

Stringing the bow; for of none thou shalt gain thee protection and kindness

Here in the land, but anon in a black-hulled ship we shall send thee

Over to Echetus, king of the mainland and maimer of mortals,

Whence thou shalt never escape with thy life. So quietly sit there!

Drink an thou wilt, but incite not a quarrel with men that be younger!"

310

Him forthwith gave answer the wise-souled Penelopeia :

"Antinous, 'twere truly a wrong and unfair to refuse him,

Being the guest of my son, like others that come to the palace.

Weenst thou perhaps, if the stranger in stringing the bow of Odysseus

Were to succeed, on his hands and his strength not vainly relying,

315

Me he shall lead to his home and shall make me his consort? I trow not!

Neither, methinks, doth he hope it himself in the depth of his bosom.

Wherefore none of you fret at the thought nor be troubled in spirit

While at the banquet ye sit. 'Twere possible never and nowise!"

Then spake Polybus' son, prince Eurymachus, and addressed her :

320

"Daughter of Icarius, O wise-souled Penelopeia,

Ne'er did we think of his leading thee home—may heaven forfend it!

Only we dreaded the talk and the tattle of men and of women,

Lest it be said some day by an evilly-minded Achaean

'Lo these fellows a-wooing the wife of a man that excels them

325

Greatly—for even his bow they're wholly unable to string it,

While that a stranger that came to the palace, a beggarly vagrant,

Easily strung it and pierced with an arrow the axes of iron.'

Thus will they speak, and for us such words would prove a dishonour."

Him forthwith gave answer the wise-souled Penelopeia:

330

"Eurymachus, fair fame in the land would never be given

Unto the men that, affronting the chief of the people as ye do,

Ruin his home. Then why do ye deem such words a dishonour ?

Lo, this stranger is tall; well built is his body and stalwart ;

Also he claims as his father a man that was brave and was upright.

335

Give him the smooth-wrought bow! Navy, give! Let us see what will happen.

This one thing will I say—it will certainly find a fulfilment:

Should he be able to string it and win such fame of Apollo,

Then I shall clothe him in beautiful raiment, in mantle and tunic,

Give him moreover a lance that from men and from dogs shall protect him,

340

Ay and a two-edged sword, and shall also provide him with sandals.

Then I shall send him wherever his heart and his spirit shall call him."

Her sage Telemachus addressing in turn gave answer:

"Mother, of all the Achaeans is none entitled as I be

Either to offer the bow to a man as I wish or refuse it.

345

No one—neither the chiefs that in rockbound Ithaca lord it,

Nor in the isles off Elian land, which pastureth horses—

None of them, none, shall compel me unwilling if even I purpose

Once and for all to bestow on the stranger the bow as a present.

Now to thy chamber return and attend to thy own occupation,

350

Even the loom and the distaff, and order thy maiden attendants

Keep to their tasks; we men will attend to the bow and the shooting,

All of us—chiefly myself; it is I that am lord of the household."

Full of amazement she turned her to go to the women's apartment,

Hiding the masterful words of her son deep down in her bosom.

355

So, to her upper apartment ascending with maiden attendants,

Here she lamented Odysseus, her well-loved husband, till gently

Slumber was poured on her lids by the grey-eyed goddess Athene.

Now when the good old swineherd had taken the bow to convey it

Unto the stranger a tumult was raised in the hall by the suitors,

360

Many an insolent youth in the midst of them loudly exclaiming:

"Where art thou taking the bow, thou detestable wretch of a swineherd?

Vagabond! Soon shall the dogs thou hast bred as a guard of thy pig-sties

Tear thee in pieces afar from the dwellings of man, if Apollo

Showeth us favour, as well as the other immortals in heaven."

365

Thus did they speak, and at once did the swineherd who carried it lay it

Down in alarm, since many with clamour assailed him ; but straightway

Telemachus, who was standing apart, spake threatening loudly :

"Come, dad, bring it along! Thou'lt find it unpleasant obeying

Every master that calls. Take care, or I surely shall chase thee

370

Out to the fields and shall pelt thee with stones. I am younger and stronger.

Ay and I would 'twere so with the suitors frequenting my homestead!

Would I excelled them as much in the strength of my arm and in manhood.

Soon were many a one sent forth on a road that he likes not

Out of my palace, for nought they imagine but evil against me."

375

Thus did he speak, but the whole of the suitors as soon as they heard him

Merrily laughed, and allayed was the grievous wrath that their bosoms

Harboured for Telemachus; and the swineherd approaching anigh him

Unto Odysseus the wise gave over the bow and the arrows.

Then did he call forth Eurycleia the nurse and address her :

380

"Telemachus commandeth thee, wise-souled Eurycleia,

Carefully barring the doors fast-closed of the inner apartment,

There to remain; and if any shall notice a din and a groaning

Here in the hall of the men, let her nowise venture to issue

Forth of her chamber, but still at her task keep silently working."

385

PATTEN WILSON.
THE STRINGING OF THE BOW

Thus did he speak, and the words that he uttered abode with her wingless.

Firmly she bolted the doors of the fair-built women's apartment.

Then right stealthily out of the mansion Philoetius hastened;

Firmly he bolted the gate of the well-fenced palace enclosure.

Under the portal was lying a rope of a twy-beaked galley

390

Made of papyrus; with this when the gates he had lashed he re-entered;

Here he reseated himself on the chair from the which he had risen,

Gazing intent at Odysseus, for now with the bow he was busy,

Turning it hither and thither, to test it on this and on that side,

Lest in his absence the worms peradventure had eaten the horn-tips.

395

Meantime many a suitor was muttering thus to his neighbour :

"Truly a judge of a bow and a cunning adept he appeareth!

Either perhaps he possesses a weapon as this in his homestead,

Else he intendeth to make him the like. How deftly he holds it,

Turning it hither and thither, the knowing and mischievous vagrant!"

400

Then would others again of the insolent youths make answer :

"O for this fellow to gain from the gods all profit and glory

Just in the selfsame measure wherein he succeeds with the stringing!"

Such words uttered the suitors. But now deep-plotting Odysseus,

After with care he had handled the great strong bow and had viewed it,

405

E'en as a man that is skilled with the lute and is practised in singing

Easily stretches the string on a new-made peg of his phorminx,

After attaching the ends of the chord tight-twisted of sheepgut,

Thus with the great strong bow did Odysseus, and easily strung it.

Then with his right hand seizing it firmly he tested the bowstring.

410

Under his touch full sweetly it sang, as the voice of a swallow.

Now fell mighty confusion and rage on the suitors: their visage

Changed; while Zeus from the sky crashed terribly, giving a warning.

Greatly exulting thereat long-suffering godlike Odysseus,

Knowing the signal was sent by the all-wise Father Cronion,

415

Seized on the keen-edged arrow that lay on the table beside him

Bare (in the hollow quiver anigh lay all of the others,

Ready—and soon it was fated for many Achaeans to taste them).

Laying the shaft on the bridge and pulling the notch with the bowstring,

E'en from the chair on the which he was sitting he shot, and the arrow

420

Sped with an accurate aim, and it pierced through all of the axes

Right from the first of the helves—straight through them; & out of the last one

Issued the bronze-tipped bolt; and to Telemachus he addressed him:

"Telemachus, thou art nowise shamed by the guest that is sitting

Here in thy palace. I missed not the mark that was set me and laboured

425

Little at stringing the bow, for my strength is as sound as aforetime,

Not as the suitors assert with a scornful despite, to insult me.

Now is the moment at hand! Let us serve the Achaeans their supper

While it is day!—and when supper is done find other amusement,

Singing and dancing—for these are ever the crown of a banquet."

430

Speaking, he nodded. At once, with his sharp sword girded about him,

Telemachus, dear son of the godlike hero Odysseus,

Laying his hand on a spear, sprang forth to the side of his father;

There by a chair on the threshold he stood with his glittering weapons.

New Alexandria Commentaries

Gregory Nagy

Toward the end of Rhapsody 21, Odysseus will pass an all-important test set by Penelope: he will string his famous bow—which none of the suitors could string, no matter how hard they tried—and he will shoot an arrow straight through all the holes of twelve axe-heads lined up in a row for this one-time occasion, designed to be viewed as the contest to end all contests in the skills of archery. This contest will determine, once and for all, who is really eligible, among all the Achaeans, to be recognized as the husband of the queen. But the winning of this ultimate contest by Odysseus is not enough: the king must now kill, with the same bow, all the would-be husbands of the queen. So, once Odysseus passes the test set by Penelope, as narrated toward the end of Rhapsody 21, the killing of the rival Achaeans can begin in Rhapsody 22. And the overall occasion for both the passing of Penelope’s test and the killing of the suitors is the beginning of a grand festival celebrating the god Apollo and the arrival of spring.

draft js image error Hēraklēs stringing a bow. Silver stater, c. 450–440 BCE, Thebes (Boeotia). Image via Wikimedia Commons.

source

Leonard Muellner

analysis of thuoskoos as not a particularly prestigious occupation, in the context of analyzing Odysseus’ response to Leodes in O.22.321

source

Homer Odyssey 21.136

Samuel Butler (Translator)

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Current edition Perseus

ODYSSEY BOOK XXI

PATTEN WILSON.
THE STRINGING OF THE BOW

New Alexandria Commentaries

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Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Current edition Perseus

ODYSSEY BOOK XXI

PATTEN WILSON. THE STRINGING OF THE BOW

New Alexandria Commentaries

Stable identifiers

PATTEN WILSON.
THE STRINGING OF THE BOW