HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XVIII: THE BEGGAR KING OF ITHACA.

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XVIII: THE BEGGAR KING OF ITHACA. 

Introduction:

Book XVIII, which is a relatively short book, sees a continuation of the 38th day of action in the story of the Odyssey. It begins with the quarrel between the disguised Odysseus and the beggar Irus, whom Odysseus easily knocks down. After the suitors have congratulated Odysseus on his victory, which they were not expecting, he warns one of them, Amphinomus, of the vengeance that is to come. Penelope then enters the action and blames Telemachus for his failure to protect the old stranger, whom she still doesn't recognise as her husband. She then converses with the suitors, who give her presents. When evening comes, Odysseus offers to look after the lamps to allow the serving women to go with their mistress, but one of them, Melantho, grievously insults him. When he threatens her with a terrible punishment, he scares all the serving women. Eurymachus mocks the disguised Odysseus, and, when the latter stands up to him, he throws a footstool at him. Although this misses Odysseus, it hits a cup-bearer, who falls to the ground, dropping a wine-bowl which beaks into pieces. This leads to a commotion among the other suitors, which Telemachus eventually manages to quieten, and he then persuades the suitors to return to their homes to sleep,     

Ll. 1-49. Irus the beggar.

There now appeared a common beggar, who used to beg throughout the city of Ithaca, and he was notorious amongst (them) for ravenous gluttony, as he ate and drank incessantly; he had neither strength nor vigour, despite being very bulky to look upon. Now his name was Arnaeus; for his lady mother had given (it) to him at his birth; but all the young men called him Irus, on account of his going to deliver messages, whenever anybody asked (him). On his arrival, he wished to drive Odysseus from his house, and he began to abuse him and addressed these winged words (to him): "Get away from the door-way, old man, lest you will soon be dragged away by foot. Do you not see that everyone is winking at me and bidding me to drag (you) off? Yet I am still reluctant (to do it). But up (you get), lest our quarrel should come to blows." 

Then, quick-witted Odysseus looked at him with a scowl and replied: "I am not doing or saying anything harmful to you, my good fellow, nor do I begrudge whatever you are given, even if you took up a lot. This threshold will contain (us) both, and there is no need for you to be jealous of anything that belongs to others; you seem to me to be a vagrant, just like I (am), and the gods will grant (us) a living. But do not challenge me too much with your fists, lest you provoke me, and, though I am an old man, I shall defile your breast and lips with blood; then tomorrow I should have more peace and quiet, for I do not think that you shall return a second time to the hall of Odysseus, son of Laertes."

Then, full of wrath, the vagrant Irus said to him: "For shame, how glibly does this greedy beggar speak, just like a woman at the oven! I shall devise bad (things) for him, smiting (him) with both (hands), and I shall knock out all the teeth from his jaws on to the ground, like a crop-eating sow. Now, gird up (your loins for battle), so that all these men shall know that (we are) fighting; but how can you fight with a younger man?"

So, on the polished threshold in front of the lofty doors, they roughed each other up most heartily. Then, the strong and mighty Antinous observed the two of them, and, laughing gleefully, he addressed the (other) suitors: "My friends, never before has such a thing (as this) happened, that a god has brought sport like this to this house. The stranger and Irus are challenging each other to fight with their fists; come let us quickly make a match of it!"       

So he spoke, and they all sprang up laughing, and gathered around the ragged beggars. Then, Antinous, the son of Eupeithes, spoke among them (and said): "Hear me, you proud wooers, so that I may say something. (There are) these goats' paunches lying by the fire, which we put there for supper, when we have filled them with fat and blood. Now, whichever of the two shall win, and prove himself the better (man), let him rise up and choose whichever one of them he wishes; furthermore, he shall always feast with us, nor shall we suffer any other beggar to mingle with (us) and beg."   

Ll. 50-87. Odysseus prepares to fights with Irus. 

So spoke Antinous, and his words were pleasing to them. Then, the wily-minded Odysseus spoke among them in a crafty manner: "My friends, there is no way that an older man, worn out by hardship, can fight with a younger man; but that knavish belly (of mine) urges me on, so that I may be overcome by his blows. But come now, all (of you), swear to me a binding oath, that no man, wishing to do a favour to Irus, shall strike me a foul blow with a heavy hand, and overcome me by force on his (behalf)." 

So he spoke, and they all swore (to it) as he bade (them). But when they had sworn and completed their oath, then again did the strong and mighty Telemachus speak among them: "Stranger, if your heart and manly spirit urges you on to defend yourself against this (fellow), then do not fear any (man) of all those Achaeans, for whoever strikes you shall have to fight with more (than you): for I (am) your host, and the lords Antinous and Eurymachus, wise (men) both, concur with this."

So he spoke, and they all applauded his (words). But Odysseus girded his rags about his loins, and showed his thighs, fine and massive (they were), and his broad shoulders were revealed, and his chest and his sturdy arms; and Athene drew near, and enlarged the limbs of the shepherd of the people. Then, the suitors were all exceedingly amazed; and thus would one speak, while glancing at another (one) beside (him): "In truth, Irus, no longer fit for errands, will soon find the trouble he has drawn upon himself, such a thigh does the old man show beneath his rags." 

So they spoke, and the spirit of Irus was badly shaken. But even so, the serving men girded (him) and led (him) out perforce all filled with dread; and the flesh trembled in his limbs. Then, Antinous berated (him) and addressed (him), speaking these words: "You might as well not be here, you lumbering oaf, nor should you ever have been born, if you quail at and dread (so) terribly a man who is old and worn out by the hardship that has come upon him. But I will speak out to you, and it will come to pass; if this man should conquer you and prove (to be) the better (man), I will hurl (you) into a black ship and send you to the mainland, to King Echetus, the bane of all mortals, who will cut off your nose and ears with the pitiless bronze, and draw forth your genitals and give (them) raw to the dogs to tear to pieces. 

Ll. 88-123. Odysseus batters Irus.

So he spoke, and at these (words) trembling came upon his limbs even more. And they led (him) into the middle (of them); and they both raised their fists. Then, was the much-enduring godlike Odysseus uncertain in his mind as to whether he should aim to strike (him) so that his life should leave him as he fell, or whether he should strike him with a light blow and lay (him) out on the ground. And, as he pondered thus, it seemed to be the better (course) to strike a light blow, so that the Achaeans should not recognise him. Then, drawing themselves up, Irus aimed a blow at his right shoulder, and (Odysseus) smote (him) on the neck below the ear and crushed the bones beneath (it); and red blood gushed from his mouth at once, and he fell down in the dust with a cry, and he ground his teeth together and drummed the ground with his feet; but the lordly wooers raised their arms and almost died of laughter. Then, Odysseus  seized hold of him and dragged (him) out through the doorway until he reached the courtyard and the gates of the portico; and he set him down and leant (him) against the walls of the courtyard; and he thrust his staff into his hand, and spoke to him, and addressed these winged words (to him): "Sit there now and keep away the pigs and dogs, and do not try to lord it over strangers and beggars, lest perhaps something bad and bigger may come your way." So he spoke and slung his wretched knapsack around his shoulders, shabby and torn (as it was); and a twisted cord was on (it).  

Then, he went back to the threshold and sat down; and the (suitors) went inside, laughing merrily, and greeted (him) with these words: "May Zeus and the other immortal gods grant you what you most desire and (what) is dear to your heart, (seeing) that you have stopped this gluttonous man from roaming around this land; for soon we shall take him to the mainland, to King Echetus, the bane of all mortals."

So they spoke, and godlike Odysseus was glad at the ominous words (i.e. because what he most desired was to kill the suitors). Then, Antinous put before him the great paunch, filled with fat and blood; and Amphinomus took up two loaves of bread from the basket and set (them) before (him), and he hailed (him) with a golden cup, and said: "Hail, my father stranger, may happiness be yours in the time to come, although now you are subjected to many sorrows."  

Ll. 124-168. Odysseus warns Amphinomus.

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, said to him in answer: "In very truth, Amphinomus, you seem to me to be a sensible (man); for so too (was) your father, for I used to hear good reports (of him), (namely) that Nisus of Dulichium was a brave and wealthy (man); they say that you are sprung from him, and you seem (to be) a man of intelligence. Therefore, I am going to tell you (something), and do you listen to me and take it to heart: of all (the things) that are breathing and walking on the (face of)  earth, the earth nurtures nothing more feeble than man. For he never thinks he will suffer evil in the future, so long as the gods give (him) prowess and his knees have strength; but, when the blessed gods then bring (him) troubles, he bears these (things) reluctantly with a patient heart; for the mood of man upon the earth is such as the daily (conditions which) the father of men and gods bring upon (him). For I, too, was once expecting to be prosperous among men, but I performed many wicked (deeds), giving way to my might and my strength, and relying on my father and brothers. Therefore, let no man ever be totally lawless, but let him keep in silence the gifts of the gods, whatever they give (him). For so I see the suitors devising (acts) of wantonness, wasting the possessions, and dishonouring the wife of a man, whom I declare will not be away from his friends and his native-land much longer; in fact, he is very near. But may some god lead you safely homewards, and may you not meet that (man) when he returns to his native-land; for I do not think that the suitors and he will part without bloodshed, when he shall come beneath his roof." 

So he spoke, and, having poured a libation, he drank the honey-sweet wine, and put the cup back into the hands of the people's marshal (i.e. Amphinomus). But the (latter) went (back) through the house with a heavy heart, shaking his head; for his mind foresaw disaster. But even so he did not escape his fate; but Athene bound him too with fetters, when he was forcefully overcome by a spear from the hands of Telemachus. Then, he sat back down again on the chair from which he had risen.  

Now, the bright-eyed goddess Athene put it into the mind of wise Penelope, the daughter of Icarius, to show herself to the wooers, in order to open widely the hearts of the suitors, and to win more honour from her husband and son than she had done before. And she made a forced laugh, and addressed, and spoke these words to, (the nurse): "Eurynome, my heart longs, as never before, to show myself to the suitors, hateful though they all are; and I would wish to say a word to my son that will be to his advantage: that he should not consort with those overbearing suitors, who speak fair (words), but behind (them) their intentions are evil." 

Ll. 169-205. Penelope prepares to show herself to the suitors.

Then, the housekeeper Eurynome spoke these words to her: "Yes, indeed, my child, all these (things) you have spoken aright. Then go and speak your words to your son, and do not hide (your thoughts); but (first) you must wash your body and anoint your face, and not go around like that with both your cheeks stained with tears, for it is a rather a bad (thing) to be forever endlessly grieving. For your son (is) now of age, and you have especially prayed to the immortals to see him with a beard." 

Then did the wise Penelope speak to her again: "Eurynome, despite your concern (for me), do not thus encourage me to wash my body and anoint myself with oil; for the gods that hold Olympus have destroyed my beauty, from the day when that (lord of mine) departed in the hollow ships. But tell Autonoe and Hippodameia to come to me, so that they may stand beside me in the hall; for I will not go alone among men; for I am ashamed (to do so)."    

So she spoke, and the old woman went off through the hall with a message for the women and telling (them) to come.

Then, the bright-eyed goddess Athene thought of something else; she shed sweet sleep over the daughter of Icarius, and she leant back and slept, and all her limbs relaxed on the couch; and, meanwhile, the most divine of goddesses was giving (her) immortal gifts, so that the Achaeans might marvel at her. First, she cleansed her beautiful cheeks with beautifying ambrosial (ointment), such as the well-crowned Cytherea (i.e. Aphrodite) anoints herself with, whenever she joins the Graces in their charming dance; and she made her look taller and broader, and she made her (skin) whiter than sawn ivory. Now, when the most divine of goddesses had done (this), she departed, and the white-armed handmaids came from the hall, chattering as they came; then, sweet sleep left her, and she rubbed her cheeks with her hands and exclaimed: "In truth, soft slumber wrapped it self around me, despite my great suffering. Would that holy Artemis would now offer me so gentle a death at once, so that I should no longer waste away my life sorrowing at heart, longing for the manifold excellence of my dear husband, for he was pre-eminent among the Achaeans." 

Ll. 206-249. Penelope speaks to Telemachus. 

So saying, she (i.e. Penelope) went downstairs from her upper chamber, not alone; for two handmaids came with her. But, when the most divine of women reached the wooers, she stood beside a pillar of the well-built roof, holding her shining veil across her face; and a trusty handmaid stood on either side of her. Then and there were their knees loosened, and their hearts were enchanted with love, and they all prayed that they might lie in bed beside (her). But she spoke once more to her dear son Telemachus: "Telemachus, your mind and your thoughts (are) no longer steadfast; when you were still a child, you used to revolve in your mind more clever (thoughts); but now that you are grown-up, and have reached the prime of youth, and any foreign man, who looked at your stature and your comeliness, would think that you were the son of a rich man, your mind and your thoughts are no longer on the right track. Now what a thing (is) this that you have done in these halls, that you have allowed that stranger to be so maltreated! What now, if some stranger sitting in our house should suffer thus from grievous rough-handling? On you would fall shame and dishonour among men."    

Then, wise Telemachus said to her in reply: "My mother, I do not feel any resentment at the fact that you have been provoked; but I know in my heart and understand everything (they do), both the good and the bad; and I am still the child I once was. But, nevertheless, I am not able to plan all (things) wisely; for these men sorely harass me, as they sit beside me, one by one, contemplating evil (things), and in my case there are no helpers. But, let me tell you, the contest between the stranger and Irus did not turn out according to the will of the suitors, but the former was the better in strength. (O) father Zeus, and Athene and Apollo, if only the suitors (were) now thus subdued in our palace, and were hanging their heads, some in the courtyard, and some within the hall, and that the limbs of each one were loosened, just as that (fellow) Irus sits by the courtyard gates, with his head lolling like a drunkard, nor can he stand up straight on his feet, nor make his way home, wherever his home (is), since his limbs are loosened."    

Thus did they speak such (words) to each other; then Eurymachus addressed Penelope with these words: "Daughter of Icarius, wise Penelope, if all the Achaeans in Ionian Argos (i.e. the Peloponnese) could set their eyes on you, (even) more suitors would be feasting in your halls from tomorrow, for in your beauty and your stature and, likewise, the mind within (you), you surpass (all other) women."

Ll. 250-289. Penelope speaks to Eurymachus.

Then, wise Penelope answered him: "To be sure, Eurymachus, the immortals destroyed my goodness, both in face and form, (on that day) when the Argives went off to Ilium, and my husband Odysseus went with them. If he were but to come and take charge of my life, so would my fame be greater and fairer. But now I am in mourning; for so many woes has some god brought down on me. Indeed, when he was going away and leaving his native-land, he grasped my right hand by the wrist and said: 'My wife, I do not think that the well-greaved Achaeans will all come back from Troy safe and sound; for they say that the Trojans are men of war, and hurlers of javelins, and drawers of arrows, and drivers of swift chariots, who quickly decide the great strife of equal warfare. So, I do not know whether the god will bring me back, or whether I shall fall into the hands of the enemy there in (the land of) Troy. Look out for my father and mother in the house, as (you do) now, or even more, as I shall be far away; but when you see my son has grown a beard, wed whomever you wish and leave your house.'  

"So did he speak; and now all these (things) are coming to pass. For the night will come when a hateful marriage shall fall to the lot of myself, accursed (as I am), whose happiness Zeus has taken away. But this terrible distress comes upon my heart and soul; this (way of yours) has never been known (as) the practice of suitors before; (those) who wish to woo a lady of worth and the daughter of a rich man, and compete with one another (in doing so), they themselves bring cattle and goodly flocks (to provide) a banquet for the friends of the maiden, and they also give her glorious gifts; but they do not consume another's livelihood without compensation."    

So she spoke, and the much-enduring godlike Odysseus was glad, because she drew gifts and charmed their souls with soothing words, but her mind was set on other (things). 

Then, Antinous, son of Eupeithes, spoke to her again: "Daughter of Icarius, wise Penelope, (as for) gifts, if anyone of the Achaeans is minded to bring (them) here, you must accept (them). For it is not a good (thing) to refuse a gift; but (as for) us, we will go neither to our own estates, nor anywhere else, until you marry him who (is) the best of the Achaeans." 

Ll. 290-336. The suitors bring gifts.

So spoke Antinous, and his speech was pleasing to them; and so each (man) sent forth a herald to bring his gifts. On behalf of Antinous, he brought a long very beautiful robe, richly embroidered; and on (it) there were golden brooches, twelve in all, fitted with curved clasps. And on behalf of Eurymachus, he promptly brought a richly wrought chain of gold, strung with amber beads, (bright) like the sun. And on behalf of Eurydamas, his squires brought a pair of earrings with clusters of three drops; and great beauty was reflected from (them). And from (the house) of Peisander, son of Polyctor, his squire brought a necklace, (and) a very beautiful ornament (it was). And so, one after another, the Achaeans brought a fair gift. Then, that most divine of women went upstairs, and her handmaids (went) with her, and carried these most beautiful gifts. 

But they (i.e. the suitors), turning to dancing and the delights of song, made merry, and they waited for evening to come on. And, as they were making merry, dark evening did come upon (them). At once, they set up three braziers in the hall, to bring (them) light; and around (these) they placed dry faggots of firewood, (which had been) dry for a long time, and well-seasoned, and newly split with an axe, and they mixed (them) with the burning (logs); and the handmaids of long-suffering Odysseus alternately fed the flames. Then, Zeus-born Odysseus, that (man) of many wiles, himself spoke among (them): "Handmaids of Odysseus, your long-absent master, go to the room where your revered queen (is). Whirl the spindle beside her, or comb the wool with your fingers, but keep her cheerful as you sit in her chamber; but I will provide light for all these (men). For, if they should wish to wait for well-enthroned Dawn, they shall not outlast me in any way; for I am very patient." 

So he spoke, and they (i.e. the handmaids) laughed and glanced at one another. But the pretty-faced Melantho jeered at him shamelessly, (she) whom Dolius had fathered, and (whom) Penelope had reared and nurtured like a daughter, and she gave her (all) the playthings her heart (could desire); but, even so, she had no sympathy in her heart for Penelope, but she was lying with Eurymachus and was in love (with him). Now, she berated Odysseus with these abusive words: "(O) wretched stranger, you are but a crack-brained fellow, for you are not willing to go to the house of a smithy, or, perhaps, to a public hostel, to sleep, but you talk a lot here in a bold manner with many men, and you have no fear in your heart; surely wine has taken hold of your wits, or your mind is always such as (it) now (is); and this is the reason why you are talking idly. Or are you beside yourself because you have overcome the vagrant Irus? (But beware), lest someone else, better than Irus, should soon stand up against you, and he should beat you about the head with strong hands, and expel you from the house, defiled with streams of blood."    

Ll. 337-364. Eurymachus taunts Odysseus.

Looking at her with a scowl, quick-witted Odysseus answered: "To be sure, I shall soon go over there and tell Telemachus what you are saying, (you) bitch, so that he may cut through you limb from limb on the spot." 

So he spoke, and scared away the women with his words. And they scuttled through the hall, and the limbs of each one of them shook with terror; for they believed that he spoke the truth. But he took his stand beside the burning braziers to ensure there was light, and he looked at everyone; but in his mind his heart was pondering other (things), (things) which were not be unfulfilled. 

But Athene would in no way allow the haughty wooers to be restrained from their grievously insulting behaviour, so that still more pain was to sink into the heart of  Odysseus, son of Laertes. Then among them, Eurymachus, son of Polybus, began to speak, while taunting Odysseus; and he caused laughter among his companions. "Listen to me, (you) wooers of the famous queen, so that I may say what the heart in my breast bids me. Not without the help of the gods has this man come to the palace of Odysseus; in any case it seems to me that there is bright light burning down from his head, for (there is) no hair on it, not even a trace."  

So he spoke and at once he addressed Odysseus, sacker of cities: "Stranger, pray would you be willing to work for hire, if I were to take you to an outlying farm - you would have a proper wage, of course -  building walls and planting tall trees? There I would provide (you) with plenty of food, and put clothes on you and give you sandals for your feet. But, since you have only learned (to do) evil deeds, you will not want to do farm-work, but you will be willing to go grovelling about through the land, so you will be able to feed your insatiable belly."   

Ll. 365-393. Odysseus provokes Eurymachus.

Then, the quick-witted Odysseus spoke to him in answer: "Eurymachus, if only there could be a contest between us two in farm work in the spring time, when the long days come around, and I should be wielding a well-curved scythe in a hayfield, and you should have a similar one, and there should be (plenty of) grass, so that we could test our work, fasting completely until it is utterly dark. And would that there might be cattle to drive, the best that there are, tawny (and) large, both well filled with grass, of like age and of equal strength, and their strength should not be easily exhausted, and there might be a four-acre field, and the earth should break up under the plough; then, you should see me, whether I could cut a straight furrow. Or would that the son of Cronos might start a war somewhere on this very day, and I had a shield and two spears and a wholly bronze helmet fitting together around my temples; then would you see me mingling among the foremost fighters, nor would you speak in reproach of my belly. But you are very insolent, and you have the heart of a bully; and, forsooth, you think you are someone great and strong, because you consort with a few (men), and (they are) not distinguished. But, if Odysseus should return and come to his native-land, soon would those doors, wide though they are, prove too narrow (for you) as you flee through the porch to the doorway."

So he so he spoke, and Eurymachus flared up all the more angrily in his heart, and, looking at him with a scowl, he spoke these winged words to (him): "Ah, you poor wretch, soon I will do you damage for saying such (things so) boldly in front of so many men, nor do you have any fear in your heart; to be sure, the wine has addled your heart, or else your mind is always like this; and so you talk rubbish. Or has it gone to your head that you overcame that vagrant Irus?"  

Ll. 394-428. Telemachus quietens the suitors. 

So saying, he (i.e. Eurymachus) seized a footstool; but Odysseus, in fear of Eurymachus, squatted at the knees of Amphinomus of Dulichium; and so he struck a cup-bearer on the right hand; and the wine-jug fell to the ground with a clang, and he fell on his back in the dust with a groan. Then the suitors caused an uproar throughout the shadowy halls, and thus did someone speak as he glanced at another man nearby: "If only that wandering stranger had died elsewhere before he came (here); then, he should never have brought so great a commotion among (us). But now we are quarrelling about beggars, nor shall there be any delight in our rich feast, since worse things prevail."

Then among them spoke the strong and mighty Telemachus: "You've gone mad, (you) fine fellows, and no longer conceal in your hearts (the effect) of your eating and drinking; now one of the gods is urging you on. But, now that you have feasted well, go to your homes and lie down whenever the spirit moves (you); but still I am driving no one out."  

So he spoke, and they all bit their lips with their teeth, and they were amazed at Telemachus, that he should speak (to them) so boldly. Then, Amphinomus spoke, and addressed them, (he who was) the famous son of the noble Nisus, son of Aretias: "My friends, after the right word has been spoken, let no man assail (another) with wrangling words and speak harshly, and let no one maltreat the stranger, or any one of the servants that (are) in the household of the divine Odysseus. But come, let the wine-steward pour the first drops in the cups, so that we can go home to bed; and let us leave the stranger in the palace of Odysseus to the care of Telemachus; for (it is) to his house that he came." 

So said he, and the words (that) he spoke (were) pleasing to everyone. The noble Mulius, a herald from Dulichium, mixed them a bowl (of wine), and he was the squire of Amphinomus, and he served (them) all, standing over each (of them) in turn; and they made libations to the blessed gods, and drank the honey-sweet wine. Then, when they had made their libations and drank as much as their hearts desired, they went on their way, each (man) to his own house to go to bed.