Were all accoutred in their dreadful arms, Forward they went, and left the assembled chiefs, While, sent by Pallas forth, upon their right A heron flew beside their path. The bird They saw not, for the night was dark, but heard Its rustling wings. Ulysses at the sound Rejoiced, and supplicated Pallas thus:⁠—

“Hear! daughter of the Aegis-bearer Jove! Thou who art near me in all dangers, thou Whose eye is on me wheresoe’er I go, Befriend me, Pallas, yet again, and grant That, laden with great glory, we return Safe to the galleys, mighty deeds performed, And woe inflicted on the Trojan race.”