take counsel what should next be done.”
The goddess said these words, and took her way Into the shadowy cavern, spying out Its hiding-places; while Ulysses brought The treasures thither in his arms—the gold, The enduring brass, the raiment nobly wrought— Which the Phaeacians gave him. These they laid Together in due order; Pallas then, The daughter of the Aegis-bearer Jove, Closed up the opening with a massive rock. Then, sitting by the sacred olive-tree, They plotted to destroy the haughty crew Of suitors, and the blue-eyed Pallas said:—
“O nobly born, and versed in many wiles, Son of Laertes! now the hour is come
To think how thou shalt lay avenging hands Upon the shameless crew who, in thy house, For three years past have made themselves its lords, And wooed thy noble wife and brought her gifts, While, pining still for thy return, she gave Hopes to each suitor, and by messages Made promises to all, though cherishing A different purpose in her secret heart.”