“Daughter invincible of Jupiter The Aegis-bearer, hear me. If within Thy courts the wise Ulysses ever burned Fat thighs of beeves or sheep, remember it, And rescue my dear son, and bring to naught The wicked plots of the proud suitor-crew.”
She spake, and wept aloud. The goddess heard Her prayer. Meantime the suitors filled with noise The shadowy palace-halls, and there were some Among that throng of arrogant youths who said:—
“Truly the queen, whom we have wooed so long, Prepares for marriage; little does she know The bloody death we destine for her son.”
So spake they, unaware of what was done Elsewhere. Antinoüs then stood forth and said:—
“Good friends, I warn you all that ye refrain From boasts like these, lest someone should report Your words within. Now let us silently Rise up, and all conspire to put in act The counsel all so heartily approve.”
He spake, and chose a crew