“Well, this is strange! I may hereafter prove
A craven and a weakling, or perchance Am yet too young, and cannot trust my arm To do me right against the man who first Assaults me.
Come then, ye whose strength excels My own, and try the bow, and end the strife.”
He spake, and setting down the bow to lean Against the firm smooth panels of the wall, And the swift shaft against the bow’s fair curve, He took again his seat upon the throne From which he rose. And then Eupeithes’ son, Antinoüs, to the crowd of suitors said:—
“Rise one by one, my friends, from right to left. Begin where he begins who pours the wine.”
So spake Antinoüs, and the rest approved.
Then rose Leiodes, son of Oenops, first. He was their seer, and always had his seat Beside the ample bowl. From deeds of wrong He shrank with hatred, and was sore incensed Against the suitors all.
He took the bow And shaft, and, going to the threshold, stood And tried the bow, yet bent it not; it galled His hands, for they were soft, and all unused To such a task; and thus at length he spake:—
“O friends, I bend it not; another hand Must try. This bow, upon this very spot, Will take from many a prince the breath of life. And better were it thus to die, by far, Than, living, fail of that intent for which We haunt this place, and still from day to day Assemble. There is many a one whose wish And hope are strong to wed Penelope, The consort of Ulysses; but so soon As he shall see and try the hero’s bow Let him with marriage presents seek to gain Some other bride among the long-robed dames, Achaia’s daughters. Let him leave the queen To wed the suitor who shall bring to her The richest gifts, and him whom fate appoints.”