Athena put it in Penelope's mind to set before the suitors the bow and the gray iron axes, as a contest and a beginning of slaughter. She climbed the high stair to her chamber and took in her hand the curved key of fine bronze with an ivory handle. Her maids came with her. She reached the oak threshold of the storeroom; the carpenter had planed it and fitted it true, and hung a shining door.
She loosed the strap, thrust in the key, and shot back the bolts. The doors bellowed like a bull in a meadow. She stepped onto the raised floor where chests of fragrant clothes were kept, and from there she took the great bow and the quiver with many sighing arrows — gifts Odysseus had received from Iphitus son of Eurytus when they met in Lacedaemon, before Heracles killed Iphitus though he was a guest. She also took a chest of iron and bronze, her husband's contest gear.
Then she went down to the suitors, bright among her women, carrying the bow and the arrows. Her maids carried the box with the iron axes. She stood by the pillar of the sturdy hall, holding a fold of her shining veil before her face, and a faithful maid stood on either side. Listen to me, you suitors, she said, who abuse the hospitality of this house because its owner has been long gone. You gather here only for the desire to marry me. Come then: this is the prize I set. Whoever strings the great bow of godlike Odysseus most easily and shoots an arrow through all twelve axes — him I will follow, leaving this house of my marriage, so beautiful and full of wealth. I think I shall remember it even in dreams.
She told Eumaeus to set the bow and the gray iron before the suitors. The swineherd took them weeping; the cowherd also wept, seeing his master's weapon. Antinous scolded them: Foolish rustics — why cry and trouble the woman? Sit and eat in silence, or go outside and weep, and leave the bow here as a hard contest. I do not think that bow will be easily strung. Of all here I am the strongest — yet I wish I might win and take Odysseus's wife home. But I am content if another does; then I will still court and give gifts.