There was a raised side-door and a passage closed with boards. Odysseus told the swineherd to watch the way. Agelaus said: Friends, will no one climb up by that side-door and tell the people? Melanthius the goatherd answered: The courtyard doors are near, and one brave man could hold the passage. But let me bring you arms from the storeroom. He climbed to Odysseus's storerooms, took twelve shields, as many spears, and as many helmets, and gave them to the suitors. Odysseus's knees went loose when he saw them arming. Telemachus, he said, surely Melanthius is stirring this war — or some of the women. Father, Telemachus answered, the fault is mine; I left the door open. Go, Eumaeus, shut it and see whether Melanthius son of Dolius is the one.
Melanthius went again for more armor. Eumaeus saw him and told Odysseus: There is that deadly man again. Shall I kill him, or bring him here to pay for his crimes? Odysseus answered: Telemachus and I will hold the suitors. You two twist his feet and arms behind him, throw him into the room, tie boards at his back, and hoist him up a tall pillar close to the roof-beams, so he may suffer hard. They waited at the doorposts. When Melanthius came over the threshold carrying a helmet and an old shield of Laertes, they sprang on him, bound him, and hoisted him up. You will keep watch the whole night on a soft bed as you deserve, Eumaeus said. Dawn will not escape you at the hour when you drive goats for the suitors. The two armed, closed the door, and stood with Odysseus — four at the threshold against many in the hall. So Melanthius was left stretched in the deadly bondage.