So Irus, in
whom fear of king Echetus prevailed above the fear of Ulysses, addressed
himself to fight. But Ulysses, provoked to be engaged in so odious a
strife with a fellow of his base conditions, and loathing longer to be
made a spectacle to entertain the eyes of his foes, with one blow, which
he struck him beneath the ear, so shattered the teeth and jawbone of this
soon baffled coward that he laid him sprawling in the dust, with small
stomach or ability to renew the contest. Then raising him on his feet, he
led him bleeding and sputtering to the door, and put his staff into his
hand, and bade him go use his command upon dogs and swine, but not presume
himself to be lord of the guests another time, nor of the beggary!
The suitors applauded in their vain minds the issue of the contest, and
rioted in mirth at the expense of poor Irus, who they vowed should be
forthwith embarked, and sent to king Echetus; and they bestowed thanks on
Ulysses for ridding the court of that unsavoury morsel, as they called
him; but in their inward souls they would not have cared if Irus had been
victor, and Ulysses had taken the foil, but it was mirth to them to see
the beggars fight. In such pastimes and light entertainments the day wore
away.
When evening was come, the suitors betook themselves to music and dancing.
And Ulysses leaned his back against a pillar from which certain lamps hung
which gave light to the dancers, and he made show of watching the dancers,
but very different thoughts were in his head.
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