Penelope.

My noble suitors, hear me. The prince, my son, Hath told you of the purpose of my coming: 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 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.