Then said another: "And in very truth, stranger, thou hast not the
look of a wrestler or boxer. Rather would one judge thee to be
some trader, who sails over the sea for gain."

"Nay," answered Ulysses, "this is ill said. True it is that the
gods give not all gifts to all men, beauty to one, and sweet
speech to another. Fair of form art thou; no god could better
thee; but thou speakest idle words. I am not unskilled in these
things, but stood among the first in the old days; but since have
I suffered much in battle and shipwreck. Yet will I make trial of
my strength, for thy words have angered me."

Whereupon, clad in his mantle as he was, he took a quoit, heavier
far than such as the Phaeacians were wont to throw, and sent it
with a whirl. It flew through the air, so that the brave
Phaeacians crouched to the ground in fear, and it fell far beyond
all the rest.

Then Athene, for she had taken upon herself the guise of a
Phaeacian man, marked the place where it fell, and spake, saying:
"Stranger, verily, even a blind man might find this token of thy
strength, for it is not lost among the others, but lies far beyond
them. Be of good courage, therefore, in this contest; none of the
Phaeacians shall surpass thee."

Then was Ulysses glad, seeing that he had a friend among the
people, and he said: "Now match this throw, young men, if ye can.
Soon will I cast another after it, as far, or further yet. And, if
any man is so minded, let him rise up and contend with me, for I