Thus spoke Antinous; and his discourse pleased them. But them much-planning Ulysses, thinking cunningly, addressed:
"O friends, it is not possible for an old man, spent with toil, to fight with a younger man; but my ill-working belly excites me, that I should be subdued by blows. But come now, all of you swear a strong oath to me, that no one gratifying Irus will wickedly strike me with his stout hand, and violently subdue me for him."
Thus he spoke; and they all swore that they would not [do so], as he desired them. But when they had sworn, and had concluded the oath, them the sacred might of Telemachus addressed in turn:
"O stranger, if thy heart and noble mind incites thee to drive him out, do not fear any one else of the Grecians: since whoever strikes thee will contend with greater numbers. I am the host, and the kings Eurymachus and Antinous, both prudent men, agree with me."
Thus he spoke; and they all approved: but Ulysses girded his middle around with rags, and showed his beautiful and large thighs; and his broad shoulders, and breast, and strong arms appeared: but Minerva, standing near him, increased the limbs of the shepherd of the people. And all the suitors were excessively astonished, and thus some one said, looking to another near him:
"Soon indeed will Irus, unhappily so called,[1] have evil drawn on himself, such a thigh does the old man show from out his rags."
Thus they spoke; but the mind of Irus was sadly moved, but even so the attendants, having girded him, brought him by force, although afraid: and his flesh trembled on his limbs. But Antinous chided him, and spoke and said:
"Now, O mighty boaster,[2] mayest thou no longer live, or exist, if indeed thou tremblest at and greatly fearest this old man, overcome with the toil which comes upon him. But I tell thee plainly, and this shall be accomplished; if he conquers thee, and is superior to thee, I will send thee to Epirus,
