words to fight against the suitors, and to defend him himself. For thus I deem that our counsel will be accomplished; when we have slain them, both father and son, then thou wilt be slain amongst them, such things dost thou meditate to do in the palace; and thou wilt atone for them with thy own head. But when we shall have taken away thy strength with the brass, thy possessions, whatever thou hast, both those within, and those out of doors, we will mix with the possessions of Ulysses: nor will we suffer thy sons or daughters to dwell in thy palaces, nor thy prudent wife to abide in the city of Ithaca."
Thus he spoke; but Minerva was more enraged at heart, and she chided Ulysses with wrathful words:
No longer is thy strength firm, O Ulysses, nor hast thou any courage, such as when thou foughtest after nine years with the Trojans, ever, without ceasing, for white-armed, noble-born Helen: and many men didst thou slay in terrible strife, and by thy counsel was the wide-wayed city of Troy taken. How now then, when thou art come to thine own house and possessions, dost thou fail in being valiant[1] against the suitors? But come hither, my soft friend, stand near me, and behold a deed, that thou mayest see, what a one Mentor Alcimedes is amongst hostile men, to requite benefits."
She spoke; and did not yet altogether give them a decided[2] victory, but still tried the strength and courage both of Ulysses and of his glory-seeking son. But rushing up to the roof of the shining palace, she sat down, like unto a swallow to behold. But Agelaus, son of Damastor, incited the suitors, as also [did] Eurynomus, and Amphimedon, and Demoptolemus, and Pisander, son of Polyctor, and warlike Polybus; for in valour they were far the best of the suitors, as many as were still alive, and they fought for their lives: but the others the bow and the fleet arrows had already subdued. And Agelaus spoke to them, addressing discourse to all:
"O friends, now will this man restrain his invincible hands; even Mentor has gone, having spoken vain prayers for him, and they are left alone at the first gates. Now therefore do
- ↑ ὀλοφύρεαι. Schol. ἀποδειλιᾷς, ὑποκρίνῃ, ὑποδεέστερος γένῃ.
- ↑ Cf. Æsch. Pers. 956, and Alberti on Hesych. t. ii. p. 1481. The more literal meaning would be, "she did not yet give them a victory that overcame the other side." The word appears to be here used actively = "conquering the other side." It is generally the reverse.
