nor even with words Of stern reproof restrain their violence, Though ye so many are and they so few.”
Leiocritus, Evenor’s son, rejoined:—
“Malicious Mentor, foolish man! what talk Is this of holding us in check? ’Twere hard For numbers even greater than our own To drive us from a feast. And should the prince Of Ithaca, Ulysses, come himself, Thinking to thrust the illustrious suitors forth That banquet in these palace halls, his queen Would have no cause for joy at his return, Greatly as she desired it. He would draw Sure death upon himself in strife with us Who are so many. Thou hast spoken ill. Now let the people who are gathered here Disperse to their employments. We will leave Mentor and Halitherses, who were both His father’s early comrades, to provide For the youth’s voyage. He will yet remain A long time here, I think, to ask for news In Ithaca, and never will set sail.”