BOOK XXII.

ARGUMENT.

THE DEATH OF THE SUITORS.

Ulysses begins the slaughter of the suitors by the death of

Antinous. He declares himself, and lets fly his arrows at the

rest. Telemachus assists and brings arms for his father, himself,

Eumaeus, and Philaetius. Melanthius does the same for the wooers.

Minerva encourages Ulysses in the shape of Mentor. The suitors are

all slain, only Medon and Phemius are spared. Melanthius and the

unfaithful servants are executed. The rest acknowledge their

master with all demonstrations of joy.

Then fierce the hero o'er the threshold strode;

Stripp'd of his rags, he blazed out like a god.

Full in their face the lifted bow he bore,

And quiver'd deaths, a formidable store;

Before his feet the rattling shower he threw,

And thus, terrific, to the suitor-crew:

"One venturous game this hand hath won to-day,

Another, princes! yet remains to play;

545

The Odyssey of Homer