_Tel._ Come forth in turn then, and assay the bow. I think Zeus robs me of my wits.—I laugh: ’Tis true I laugh.—Ye understand, my lords, My wise and honoured mother hath declared That she will wed a stranger, and go forth 2410 And leave this house:—and I laugh and am glad! Come then, I say; seeing this is the prize, A lady without rival in the land; What say I? Not in all the Achæan lands, In sacred Pylos, Argos, or Mycenæ, Or elsewhere. But ye know this, and indeed Why should I praise my mother? Come, I call you; Come forth, assay the bow. Who cometh first? Why, now I see I am a fool; myself, Why not myself? If I should string it best, 2420 And easiest, and shoot truest at the mark, Then I reserve the prize: my lady mother Will never quit these halls. Yes, and I think I have some phantom of my father’s strength.— _Eur._ Nay, prince, this was not bargained. _Ant._ Let him try. _Tel._ It bends, it yields; but what you say is just; ’Tis not for me. Ye be the mighty men: I hand it you. _Eur._ Rise each in turn, As the wine circles. First is Sir Leiodes, The soothsayer. LEIODES. Give it me. _Eum._ Sir, mayst thou fail. 2430 _Leiod._ Curse on thy tongue. I asked not thy goodwill. _Tel._ (_aside to Eum._). I need thy aid without: thou and the neatherd Follow me thro’ the postern: let none see you. _Some wooers rise from their seats. Tel., Eum., and neatherd go out by the postern door_ R. _Leiod._ I cannot bend it: ’tis a deadly bow. Ay, if I ever have spoken sooth, to-day My spirit is true. This is no marrying bow. ’Twill prove our shame and death. Another take it. I have done with it. We have all along been fooled; Now more than ever. But if any yet Hope for the lady, let him try the bow, 2440 And then go woo another. _Ant._ Think not, sir, Because thy hands are white and delicate, There be no men of sinew. _Eur._ Peace, my lords! _A suitor._ ’Tis stiff and dry with age. Bring me some oil: If it be rubbed therewith and warmed the while, ’Twill ease it mightily. _Ant._ Ay, do ye so. [_They take it to the fire._ CHORUS—_Wooers_ (_inter se_).