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ATHENE VISITS TELEMACHUS 33

Prince Orestes made for himself in the world when he killed the
traitor Aegisthus for murdering his noble father? You, my
friend - and what a tall and splendid fellow you have grown! -
must be as brave as Orestes. Then future generations will sing
your praises.

'But my crew must be tired of waiting for me, and I'll be off
now to my good ship. I leave the matter in your hands. Think
over what I have said.'

(Sir,' said the wise Telemachus, 'you have spoken to me out
of the kindness of your heart like a father talking to his son; and
I shall never forget your words. I know you are anxious to be
on your way, but I beg you to stay a little longer, so that you can
bathe and refresh yourself. Then you can go to your ship in a
happy frame of mind, taking with you as a keepsake from my-
self something precious and beautiful, the sort of present that
one gives to a guest who has become a friend.'

'No/ said the bright-eyed goddess. 'I am eager to be on my
way; please do not detain me now. As for the gift you kindly
suggest, let me take it home with me on my way back. Make it
the best you can find, and you won't lose by the exchange.9

The goddess spoke and the next moment she was gone, van-
ishing like a bird through a hole in the roof. But she left Tele-
machus full of spirit and daring, and concerned for his father
even more than he had been before. He felt the change and was
overcome with awe, for he realized that a god had been with
him.

The young prince now rejoined the Suitors. He found them
listening in silence to a song which their admirable bard was
singing to them about the Achaeans' return from Troy and the
disasters that Pallas Athene made them suffer. In her room up-
stairs, Penelope, wise daughter oflcarius, caught the words of
his stirring ballad and came down from her quarters by the steep
staircase, not alone, but with two waiting-women in attend-
ance. Face to face with her suitors the great lady drew a fold of
her bright head-dress over her cheeks and took her stand by a
pillar of the massive roof, with one of her faithful maids on