esting is the prophet among the
Suitors, Leiodes, who tries his hand, yet gives the warning: "This bow
upon this spot will take from many a prince the breath of life." He
foresees and forewarns, but still acts the transgressor; he prophesies
death to the Suitors, but remains himself a Suitor, and so perishes in
accord with his own prophecy.

II. Ulysses, going to one side with the cowherd and swineherd
(Philoetius and Eumaeus), whose loyalty has been so conspicuous, now
discloses himself to them, and assigns their duties in the approaching
conflict. "I know that you alone of the servants (men) have desired my
return." He will give them wife and property if he conquers the
Suitors, "and to me ye shall be as companions and brothers of
Telemachus." Deserving to be adopted into the royal house of Ulysses
they both are, being of this little army of four against more than a
hundred enemies. Eumaeus is to put the bow into the hands of Ulysses,
after the Suitors have tried the test; Philoetius is to fasten the
gates that none escape.

III. After the Suitors have failed to bend the bow and a delay is
proposed, Ulysses, the beggar, comes forward and asks to make the
trial. Violent opposition rises on part of the Suitors, but Penelope in
two speeches insists that he shall try. Here again we must ascribe to
her unconscious nature some strong affinity with the ragged man before
her. She praises the form of the stranger and notes his noble birth,
though she denies the possibility of herself becoming his bride. Still
she shows a deep attraction for him, which she cannot suppress.

Telemachus now takes the matter in hand, orders his mother out of the
way somewhat abruptly (since the fight is soon to start), and bids the
bow to be carried to Ulysses in face of the outcries of the Suitors.
Eurycleia, the nurse, is commanded to fasten the doors of the house;
now we see why Ulysses let her recognize him by the scar. Meanwhile
Philoetius fastens the gates of the court. Apparently there is no
escape for the Suitors; Ulysses has the bow; he has tested its quality
and possesses a quiver full of arrows.

Such is the famous deed of Bending the Bow, which is a symbolic act
pointing out and selecting the Hero. Ulysses is revealed by it to the
Suitors even before he calls out his name and throws off his disguise;
he performs the test, he shoots through the rings without missing, he
has strength and skill for the emergency. If hitherto stress ha