Odyssey 8.143 · Book 8, lines 143–144

Laodamas takes the cue. Hearing Euryalus, the king's son steps into the middle of the gathering and turns to speak straight to the guest. The narrative moves him physically to center stage before he opens his mouth.

Stepping ‘into the middle’ is a small act of ceremony. To address the stranger publicly, Laodamas places himself in the open space where challenges are issued and speeches are made. The host's son is doing this correctly, courteously — which is exactly what will make the collision to come, when the guest is provoked, land the harder.

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