well. Tomorrow brings to us The hateful morn which takes me from my home, The palace of Ulysses. I shall now Propose a contest. In the palace court Ulysses in a row set up twelve stakes, Like props that hold a galley up; each stake Had its own ring; he stood afar, and sent An arrow through them all. I shall propose This contest to the suitors. He who bends The bow with easy mastery, and sends Through the twelve rings an arrow, I will take To follow from the palace where I passed My youthful married life—a beautiful home, And stored with wealth; a home which I shall long Remember, even in my nightly dreams.”
Ulysses, the sagacious, answered thus:
“O gracious consort of Laertes’ son! Let not this contest be delayed; the man Of ready wiles, Ulysses, will be here Ere, tampering with the hero’s polished bow, The suitors shall prevail to stretch the cord, And send an arrow through the rings of steel.”