Telemachus appeals to suitors at a meeting.

At dawn, as the goddess Eos with her rosy fingers appeared, Odysseus' beloved son Telemachus awoke from his bed. He put on his clothes, slung a sharp sword over his shoulder, and tied beautiful sandals on his shining feet, then left the room in a godlike manner. Immediately, he ordered the messengers with clear voices to summon the long-haired Achaeans to the assembly. As the messengers announced it, the people quickly gathered. When everyone was assembled, Telemachus carried a bronze spear and led two swift dogs towards the square. Because Athena had given him a divine aura, the people watched as he approached. He sat in his father's seat, and the elders made room for him.

Then, the first to speak was the hero Aegyptios. He was old and stooped, but he was a man of great knowledge. His beloved son Antiphos also sailed with Odysseus, who was like a god, towards the famous Ilium in a ship. Antiphos, wielding a spear, was killed by the savage Cyclops in a deep cave and eaten as his last meal. Aegyptios had three other sons. One, Eurynomos, joined the ranks of the suitors, while the remaining two always continued the work passed down from their ancestors. Nevertheless, the old father could not forget his lost son and lamented him with grief. While shedding tears for his son, he spoke at the assembly:

"People of Ithaka, listen to my words now. Since Odysseus, who was like a god, set sail in his hollow ship, we have not held a single assembly. Who has called the people together, and for what purpose? What urgent matter could it be that requires such an action? Is it something concerning the young people, or perhaps the elders? Has someone heard news of the returning army and is trying to share it with everyone? Or is there another matter that concerns us all? I believe this person to be noble and blessed. May Zeus grant them whatever their heart desires."

Hearing these words, Telemachus, the beloved son of Odysseus, rejoiced at them as a good omen. He could no longer remain seated and stood in the middle of the assembly to speak. The thoughtful herald Phemebus placed a staff in his hands. Telemachus first addressed the old men: "Respected elders, I am the one who called this assembly together. You will soon understand that great suffering has come upon me. There is no news for you about the return of the army. Nor do I intend to speak to you about another matter concerning everyone. It is a private sorrow of my own. Two misfortunes have befallen my house. First, I lost my noble father, who once ruled over all of you. He was a man of great kindness, like a father."

"Now, an even greater disaster is occurring. Soon, it will ravage the entire house and strip us of our livelihood. Suitors are pressing my mother, despite her not wanting them. They are the sons of powerful men who live here. They strongly dislike that if she goes to the house of her father, Icarus, Icarus will receive wedding gifts for his daughter and marry her off to a man he chooses. Therefore, they come to our house every day, slaughtering cattle and sheep, fat goats, holding feasts, and drinking wine lavishly. Our wealth is dwindling rapidly. There is no one like Odysseus who can protect us from this destruction. We do not have the strength to defend ourselves as he did. If we try to stand up against them, they will realize that we are weak and lack courage."

"If only I had the power, I would confront them. Something unbearable has happened, and my house has been shamefully ruined. Everyone should be ashamed and consider the people living nearby, and fear the wrath of the gods. The gods who are angry at your evil deeds may return punishment to you."