“Alas, good stranger, all dreams are not to be trusted,” answered Penelope. “To-morrow is the fateful day which I have appointed for the contest. I have determined to propose a trial of skill, and shall be obliged to take the winner for my husband. The favorite bow of Ulysses shall be brought forth, and the suitors shall try their skill at bending it. And alas, I must leave the palace of my glorious husband with the successful one.” The stranger signified his approval, while he inwardly rejoiced at the opportunity this would give him to overcome all the suitors. The noble Penelope ascended to her chamber, but Ulysses remained by the fireside in the hall. Chapter XIV Penelope arranges the Decisive Contest Ulysses turned restlessly upon his couch, when suddenly his divine friend Athene stood beside him, asking gently: “Why is thine heart so heavy? Surely thou canst trust the goddess who has protected thee in all dangers? If fifty companies of suitors fought against thee, thou shouldst lightly overcome them all. Sleep, for the goddess bids thee hope.” He slept, but before dawn heart-rending sobs and cries awakened him. It was Penelope’s voice, weeping and crying out Ulysses’ name a hundred times. A vivid dream had roused her: Ulysses in full armor lay beside her. Now was her rest gone and her tears flowed afresh. The heart of the valiant Ulysses was ready to break. He arose. It was dark and the stars were shining. He went to the window, and raising his hands, prayed: “Father Jupiter, if thou art gracious to me, grant me now a sign, that I may have faith.” And listen! A long peal of thunder echoed from the eastern sky, and at the same moment he heard the servant who was grinding corn say to herself: “Holy Father Jupiter, thou thunderest loudly, though the heavens are clear and starry! It must be that thou givest a sign. Oh, that thou wouldst hear my prayer, that this might be the last night on which I shall toil for the miserable suitors, who devour by day with laughter what we poor slaves must prepare in the sweat of our brows during the night. Oh, that they might all die and this be their last banquet!” When Ulysses heard this his courage suddenly rose. He paced the great hall, turning over plans in his mind and awaiting morning impatiently. When it came, everyone about the house was busy. Telemachus went to the market place and Euryclea called the maids together to plan their work for them. “For,” said she, “the suitors will assemble early to-day to celebrate the feast of the new moon.” The swineherd came in early, driving his contribution for the day—three fat pigs—and he at once sought the stranger from Crete. Ulysses went to meet him and pressed his hand kindly. “How dost thou fare? Dost stand in better repute with the company?” “Oh, that the gods might destroy them for all the grievous mischief which they hourly commit,” replied Ulysses.