travelling companion whom he wishes to entertain. After welcoming this
man with due hospitality, Telemachus gives his mother an account of
his trip. While he is thus occupied, Ulysses is wending his way to the
palace, where he arrives just as the suitors' wonted revels reach
their height. But as he enters the court-yard, his favorite hunting
dog expires for joy on recognizing him.

He knew his lord;--he knew, and strove to meet;
In vain he strove to crawl and kiss his feet;
Yet (all he could) his tail, his ears, his eyes,
Salute his master and confess his joys.
Soft pity touch'd the mighty master's soul:
Adown his cheek a tear unbidden stole;
Stole unperceived: he turn'd his head, and dried
The drop humane.

Humbly making the rounds of the tables like the beggar he seems,
Ulysses is treated kindly by Telemachus, but grossly insulted by the
suitors, one of whom, Antinous, actually flings a stool at him. Such a
violation of the rights of hospitality causes some commotion in the
palace, and so rouses the indignation of Penelope that she expresses a
wish to converse with the beggar, who may have heard of her absent
spouse.

_Book XVIII._ Meantime Ulysses has also come into conflict with the
town-beggar (Irus), a lusty youth, who challenges him to fight. To his
dismay, Ulysses displays such a set of muscles on laying aside his
robe that the insolent challenger wishes to withdraw. He is, however,
compelled by the suitors to fight, and is thoroughly beaten by
Ulysses, whose strength arouses the suitors' admiration. Then, in