My noble suitors, hear me. The prince, my son, Hath told you of the purpose of my coming: 2361 Howe’er that be, attend. Ye have now long time Besieged this widowed house, and day by day Eating and drinking without end, abused The absence of its lord; and ever in all Ye have still proclaimed one object, me to woo And wed. Till now I have barred consent: to-day I yield me to your urgence to declare Whom I will choose: but since not willingly I wed, I set my fortune with the gods 2370 To guide and govern. Here is Ulysses’ bow: With this contest, I pray you, among yourselves, And I will be the prize. Yes, his am I Who strings most easily this bow, and shoots The truest arrow through the axes’ heads. He is my husband and with him to day Will I leave this fair house so dearly loved. Eumæus, take the bow. Offer it now In turn to all: and let all try in turn; I will sit here and watch. _EUMÆUS._ O honoured mistress, 2380 What wilt thou do? _NEATHERD._ Alas, my tears run down: I never thought to have seen this day. _Ant._ Now, hinds, Obey. Why weep ye, fools? Your lady needs Encouragement, not pity. Swift obey, Or take your tears without, and leave the bow To us for whom the prize is;—a prize, my lords, Not lightly to be taken; for none I think Will bend it as Ulysses did: none here Is like the man, as I remember him Long years ago, when I was but a lad. 2390 _Tel._ Stay; are all here? This trial being for all, Chance shall exclude none from it. In the house Are ye full numbers? _Eur._ Lords, let all sit down, Each in his place. _Tel._ Eumæus, go without, And see that all be gathered in the court. [_Exit Eumæus._ _Wooers._ The queen doth well.—’Tis just and plain, All share the chance.—It goes for nought To have boasted favour. They that brought The costliest gifts have spent in vain.— Now we may laugh, sirs.—Some that sought 2400 To overawe our equal claim Are answered well.—I ever thought She was a wise and honest dame. [_They sit._ _Eur._ The places all are filled: none lacketh here. _Eum._ (_returning_). All are assembled, prince, within the court.