Odysseus was torn…
should he wheel with his staff and beat the scoundrel senseless? –
or hoist him by the midriff, split his skull on the rocks?
He steeled himself instead, his mind in full control.
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 17, lines 257-260. A furious Odysseus, disguised as a beggar and pretending not to be a king, wonders if should retaliate and split goatherd Melanthius’ skull over his taunts. When confronted by such disrespect, Odysseus’ instinct for vengeance kicks in. However, though his pride is wounded, he decides that self-restraint is the best course and doesn’t react to the goatherd’s provocations. Cunning Odysseus wants to maintain his disguise and keep his true identity from people.