And the suitors were past measure offended to see a pitiful
beggar, as they esteemed him, to be so choicely regarded by the prince.
Then Antinous, who was a great lord, and of chief note among the suitors,
said, "Prince Telemachus does ill to encourage these wandering beggars,
who go from place to place, affirming that they have been some
considerable persons in their time, filling the ears of such as hearken to
them with lies, and pressing with their bold feet into kings' palaces.
This is some saucy vagabond, some travelling Egyptian."
"I see," said Ulysses, "that a poor man should get but little at your
board; scarce should he get salt from your hands, if he brought his own
meat."
Lord Antinous, indignant to be answered with such sharpness by a supposed
beggar, snatched up a stool, with which he smote Ulysses where the neck
and shoulders join. This usage moved not Ulysses; but in his great heart
he meditated deep evils to come upon them all, which for a time must be
kept close, and he went and sat himself down in the door-way to eat of
that which was given him; and he said, "For life or possessions a man will
fight, but for his belly this man smites. If a poor man has any god to
take his part, my lord Antinous shall not live to be the queen's husband."
Then Antinous raged highly, and threatened to drag him by the heels, and
to rend his rags about his ears, if he spoke another word.
But the other suitors did in nowise approve of the harsh language, nor of
the blow which Antinous had dealt; and some of them said, "Who knows but
one of the deities goes about hid under that poor disguise? for in the
likeness of poor pilgrims the gods have many times descended to try the
dispositions of men, whether they be humane or impious.
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