She spake, Ulysses was rejoiced to see That thus she sought to draw from each a gift, With fair and artful words. Yet were his thoughts Intent on other plans. Eupeithes’ son, Antinoüs, thus made answer to the queen:—
“Sage daughter of Icarius, only deign To take the gifts which any of the Greeks Will bring—nor is it gracious to reject A present—yet be sure we go not hence, To our estates nor elsewhere, till thou make A bridegroom of the best Achaian here.”
So spake Antinoüs. All approved his words, And each sent forth a herald for his gift. The herald of Antinoüs brought to him A robe of many colors, beautiful And ample, with twelve golden clasps, which each Had its well-fitted eye. Eurymachus Received a golden necklace, richly wrought, And set with amber beads, that glowed as if With sunshine. To Eurydamas there came A pair of earrings, each a triple gem, Daintily fashioned and of exquisite grace. Two servants bore them. From Pisander’s house— Son of the Prince Polyctor—there was brought A collar of rare beauty. Thus did each Bestow a different yet becoming gift. And then that most august of women went Back to the upper chambers with her maids, Who bore the sumptuous presents, while below The suitors turned them to the dance and song, Amused till evening came. Its darkness stole Over their pastime. Then they brought and placed Three hearths to light the palace, heaping them With wood, well dried and hard and newly cleft. With this they mingled flaming brands. The maids Of the great sufferer, Ulysses, fed The fire by turns. To them the hero spake:—
“Ye maidens of a sovereign absent long, Withdraw to where your highborn mistress sits; There turn the spindle, seeking to amuse Her lonely hours; there comb with your own hands The fleece, and I will see that these have light. Even though they linger till the Morn is here In her bright car, they cannot overcome My patience. I am practised to endure.”