The laughter of the crowd encouraged Eurymachus to continue his raillery. “Listen, old man. If thou wert not accustomed to a lazy, wandering life, I might have work for thee. How sayest thou? Wilt be my servant? Plough, plant trees, and carry leaves for bedding? I would pay thee well, give thee good raiment and sandals for thy feet. But doubtless thou wouldst rather idle about and fill thy hungry stomach at thy leisure.” “O Eurymachus,” Ulysses proudly answered, “were we both ploughing or mowing in the field, working against each other, it were a question which would earn the prize. And truly were we to go into battle and were I armed with helmet and harness, with sword and shield in my hands, thou shouldst see me at the front. Because thou art the strongest among many weaklings, thou thinkest thyself great and powerful. But I believe if Ulysses should appear, both leaves of the door would be too narrow for thee.” “Hear how saucy the fellow is getting,” cried Eurymachus. “I will teach thee then to defy me!” And he seized his footstool and cast it at Ulysses, who, however, quickly bent down and threw himself at Amphinomus’ feet. The stool flew over him and hit the arm of the servant, whose wine-jar fell from his hand, while he tumbled over backwards. Angrily and noisily the suitors crowded forward, threatening the stranger. But Telemachus rose up and admonished them to be still and quietly leave the palace, as it was time for sleep. Biting their lips in anger, the suitors were astonished at the courage of the usually mild Telemachus. The gentle Amphinomus supported him and spoke conciliatingly, and so they all went to their homes, after making the final sacrifice to the gods. Chapter XIII Ulysses and Penelope Ulysses remained behind, and as soon as the suitors had gone, he made a sign to Telemachus to assist him in carrying all the weapons to the upper rooms. And behold, as they carried the swords and shields up the stairs, the dark passageway was filled with a mysterious light. “It is from the gods. Athene is with us,” said the wise man. “Thus are the immortals wont to manifest themselves.” When all the weapons had been disposed of, the father bade his son go to bed, while he betook himself to the hall to await Penelope. She came from her chamber like the goddess Aphrodite. Her maidens placed a seat for her by the hearth and mended the fire. When the bright flames shot up and they saw the old beggar still there, they began to scold, and one even to threaten him with a firebrand if he did not leave at once. But the queen reproved the maid as she deserved. At the same time she ordered a seat for the guest placed opposite her own by the fireside, and when he was seated, began to question him.