The custom was not thus in other times; When suitors wooed a noble wife, the child Of some rich house, contending for her smile, They came with beeves and fatling sheep to feast The damsel’s friends, and gave munificent gifts, But wasted not the wealth that was not theirs.”
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,