"Your slander fans the anger in my heart!
I’m no stranger to sports – for all your taunts –
I’ve held my place in the front ranks, I tell you,
long as I could trust to my youth and striving hands.
But now I’m wrestled down by pain and hardship, look,
I’ve borne my share of struggles, cleaving my way
through wars of men and pounding waves at sea.
Nevertheless, despite so many blows,
I’ll compete in your games, just watch. Your insults
cut to the quick – you rouse my fighting blood!"
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 8, lines 206-215. Odysseus is angered by taunts over opting out of the Phaeacian sports. His pride is hurt and his blood is up. Broadsea’s derogatory remarks provoke him into competing.