In all but this, Athena, have thy will;

This and none else, must be his punishment.

Well, since it is thy pleasure, be it so:

Lay on, abate no jot of thine intent.

I will to work then, and I look to thee

To be my true ally all times, as now.

Odysseus, see how great the might of gods.

Couldst thou have found a man more circumspect,

Or one more prompt for all emergencies?

I know none such, and though he be my foe,

I still must pity him in his distress,

Bound, hand and foot, to fatal destiny;

And therein mind my case no less than his.

Alas! we living mortals, what are we

But phantoms all or unsubstantial shades?

Warned by these sights, Odysseus, see that thou

Utter no boastful word against the gods,

Nor swell with pride if haply might of arm

Exalt thee o’er thy fellows, or vast wealth.

A day can prostrate and a day upraise

All that is mortal; but the gods approve

Sobriety and frowardness abhor.