An arrow, smote the suitor on the breast, Beside the nipple. The swift weapon stood Fixed in his liver; to the ground he flung The sword, and, reeling giddily around The table, fell; he brought with him to earth The viands and the double cup, and smote The pavement with his forehead heavily, And in great agony. With both his feet He struck and shook his throne, and darkness came Over his eyes. Then rushed Amphinomus Against the glorious chief, and drew his sword To thrust him from the door. Telemachus O’ertook him, and between his shoulders drove A brazen lance. Right through his breast it went, And he fell headlong, with his forehead dashed Against the floor. Telemachus drew back, And left his long spear in Amphinomus, Lest, while he drew it forth, someone among The Achaians might attack him with the sword, And thrust him through or hew him down. In haste He reached his father’s side, and quickly said:—
“Now, father, will I bring to thee a shield, Two javelins, and a helmet wrought of brass, Well fitted to the temples. I will case Myself in armor, and will also give Arms to the swineherd, and to him who tends The beeves; for men in armor combat best.”
And wise Ulysses answered:
“Bring them then, And quickly, while I yet have arrows here For my defence, lest, when I am alone, They drive me from my station at the door.”
He spake. Obedient to his father’s word, Telemachus was soon within the room In which the glorious arms were laid. He took Four bucklers thence, eight spears, and helmets four Of brass, each darkened with its horsehair crest, And bore them forth, and quickly stood again Beside his father.