He spake; Melanthius kindled instantly A glowing fire, and near it placed a seat, And on the seat a fleece, and from within Brought forth an ample roll of fat, with which The young men, having warmed it, smeared the bow And tried, but bent it not, too weak by far For such a feat. Antinoüs kept aloof, He and the godlike youth Eurymachus Two princes who in might excelled the rest.
The herdsman of Ulysses meantime left The palace, and with him the swineherd went, And after them Ulysses. When they all Were now without the gate and palace court, Ulysses spake to them, and blandly said:—
“Herdsman and swineherd, shall I say to you Somewhat, or shall I keep it back? My heart Moves me to say it. Should Ulysses come, Led by some god, and suddenly, what aid Would he receive from you? Would ye take part With him, or with the suitors? Frankly speak; And tell me what your hearts would bid you do.”
Then answered thus the keeper of the herds: “O Father Jove! wouldst thou but grant my wish, And let some god