Chapter 22 Odysseus and Iros the beggar

While the suitors were feasting in the hall, a well-known local beggar entered.He has always been known for his large appetite. Although he is tall, he is weak and weak.His original name was Arnaeus, and because he often earned a few small money by delivering news to people, the young people in the city borrowed the name of Iris, the messenger of the gods, and called him Iros.When he heard that another beggar was coming to take his place, he rushed to the hall of the palace to drive Odysseus away.He said, "Old man, get out of here! Otherwise I'm going to use force." Odysseus glanced at him angrily and said, "You and I are both beggars, and you can beg here. Don't drive me out. I won't drive you out. If you want to use force, I am old, but I can do it all the same." Beat you until your nose is bruised and your face is swollen, so that you will not dare to mess around here next time."

Hearing this, Ilos was furious, and shouted: "You are too presumptuous! Look at you, I will knock out your teeth and show you my strength. I am younger than you, and you Dare to fight me?" The suitors burst out laughing when they heard the two beggars quarreling.Antinous said: "Friends, do you see the blood sausages roasting on the fire over there? We are willing to give these as the prize of the duel between two noble heroes: the victor can enjoy these blood sausages, and will also have them in the future." He is only allowed to come to this hall alone!" The other suitors agreed with the suggestion.But Odysseus pretended to be pitiful, as if he was an old man who had suffered a lot and had no strength.He asked the married couple to pledge not to favor Iros in the duel.The suitors agreed without hesitation.Telemachus stood up and said, "I am the master, and if anyone bullies you, I will settle with him." All the suitors nodded in agreement.So Odysseus tightened his clothes and rolled up his sleeves. Only then did everyone see that he had thick arms, broad shoulders, and strong legs, because Athena secretly protected him and made him taller and stronger.The suitors whispered in surprise:

"The old man is so strong. Poor Iros has had enough." Iros was already trembling with fear, and regretted challenging the old man.Antinous said angrily: "Blowboy, how can you tremble in front of a feeble old man? Are you a man? I tell you, if you are defeated, I will tie you in my to Ecetus, king of Epilos, in a ship at sea. He was known to be a cruel king, who once blinded his daughter, and made everyone terrified at the sight of him. He will cut your nose and your ears Cut it off and feed it to the dogs!" Iros trembled with fear, but they pushed him forward.So the two beggars were ready to fight.Odysseus considered whether to kill the poor beggar at once, or to give him a light blow first, so as not to arouse the suspicion of his suitors.He felt that the latter approach was more sensible.So when Iros punched him in the right shoulder, he just slapped Iros behind the ear lightly.Although the blow was light, it still broke Iros's bones, and he fell to the ground vomiting blood.There were cheers and applause from the suitors.Odysseus dragged Ilos into the courtyard outside the door, then pulled him up against the wall, stuck a begging stick in his hand, and said mockingly: "You stay here, keep the pig Dogs, don't let them come near!" With that, he walked back into the hall, still sitting on the threshold.

Odysseus wins, earning him the respect of his suitors.They came to him with a smile, and said to him: "Outlander, you got rid of this nasty guy for us, and may Zeus and other gods bless you and make you all the best!" Odysseus said this The words were accepted as a good omen.Even Antinous himself brought him a large piece of haggis, and Amphinomus brought him two loaves of bread out of a basket, filled his glass with wine, and toasted the victor. "Happiness to you, old man," said he, "and may you be free from all sorrow and care!" Odysseus looked him gravely in the eyes, and replied: "Amphinomus, I think you are a righteous youth, and I know your father was a man of authority. Mark my words: the world The weakest and most unstable person is man. When God blesses him, he will go forward; when bad luck approaches him, he will lose courage and be unable to bear the disaster. This is what I have learned from my own experience Yes. When I was young and vigorous, I did many things that should not be done. Therefore, I advise all people not to behave indiscriminately, but to fear God. I think it is very unreasonable for a suitor to be so arrogant and pester other people's wives. It is unwise. Her husband is at hand, I believe. Amphinomus, may God lead you out of here before he returns."

After Odysseus finished speaking, he took the wine glass, poured the wine on the ground, drank it, and returned the wine glass to the young man.The young man bowed his head in thought.However, he still did not escape the punishment of the goddess.