THE ARGUMENT. THE BENDING OF ULYSSES'S BOW. PENELOPE, to put an end to the solicitation of the suitors, proposes to marry the person who shall first bend the bow of Ulysses, and shoot through the ringlets. After their attempts have proved ineffectual, Ulysses taking Eumæus and Philætius apart, discovers himself to them; then, returning, desires leave to try his strength at the bow, which, though refused with indignation by the suitors, Penelope and Telemachus cause to be delivered to his hands. He bends it immediately, and shoots through all the rings. Jupiter in the same instant thunders from heaven: Ulysses accepts the omen; and gives a sign to Telemachus, who stands ready armed at his side. |