INTRODUCTION.

...his father, he recognizes him (with the help of Athena) and joins in his plan for vengeance on the Suitors. This revenge cannot be long delayed because the Suitors—furious that their ambush original: "ambuscade" failed—are beginning to discuss new ways to kill Telemachus.

Next morning, Telemachus himself visits his mother (Book 17) to tell her about his journey. The small spark of hope he provides her is fanned even further by the interpretation of an omen seen by Theoclymenus. Then Odysseus, still disguised and unrecognized, is brought to the palace by Eumaeus. On his way there original: "thither", he is treated roughly and insulted bitterly by the savage goatherd Melanthius. As Odysseus enters the palace grounds, his old dog Argus—lying neglected in the courtyard—is just able to give him one last look of recognition before he dies. His master must wipe away a tear and enter the hall to beg from the Suitors, for he was still playing the role of a beggar. They all give him a handout original: "dole" except for Antinous, who treats him with brutal contempt. Penelope wishes to question the traveler about news from abroad, but he will not tell her his story until the Suitors have retired for the night.

As Odysseus sits in the porch (Book 18), a sturdy beggar named Irus—who used to run errands for the Suitors—comes up from the town. Jealous of a rival, he threatens to drive the newcomer from the hall. However, Odysseus warns him to keep his hands off, saying there is room enough for both. The young nobles insist on making these two "champions" fight. With a single blow, Odysseus breaks Irus’s jaw and drags him into the courtyard. The spectators applaud, and Amphinomus (one of the Suitors) addresses Odysseus with kind words. Odysseus, in turn, warns him of the terrible reversal of fortune that fate may have in store for him.

Then Penelope appears at the door of the hall. She is so radiant with beauty that the Suitors—especially Eurymachus—cannot help but shout out their admiration. But she mocks her Suitors for their lack of courtly behavior original: "gallantry" until every man among them is ready to shower her with "jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing original: "raiment"," which she carries back with her to