He spake; a son of Dolius at his word Went forth, and, coming to the threshold, stopped. He saw them all at hand, and instantly Bespake Ulysses thus, with winged words: “They are upon us; we must arm at once.”
He spake; they rose, and quickly were in arms. Four were Ulysses and his friends, and six The sons of Dolius. Old Laertes then, And Dolius, put on armor with the rest, Gray-headed as they were, for now their aid Was needed. When they all had clad themselves In shining brass, they threw the portals wide And sallied forth, Ulysses at their head.
Now Pallas, daughter of almighty Jove, Drew near them. She had taken Mentor’s form And Mentor’s voice. The much-enduring chief, Ulysses, saw her and rejoiced, and said To his beloved son, Telemachus:—
“Now wilt thou, of thyself, Telemachus, Bethink thee, when thou minglest in the fray That tries men’s valor, not to cast disgrace Upon thy forefathers—a race renowned For manly daring over all the earth.”
And thus discreet Telemachus replied: “Nay, if thou wilt, my father, thou shalt see That by no lack of valor shall I cast, As thou hast said, dishonor on thy race.”
Laertes heard them, and rejoiced, and said: “O what a day for me, ye blessed gods, Is this! With what delight I see my son And grandson rivals on the battlefield.”
And then the blue-eyed Pallas, drawing near Laertes, said: “Son of Arcesias, loved By me beyond all others of my friends, Pray to Jove’s blue-eyed daughter, and to Jove, And brandish thy long spear, and send it forth.”
So Pallas spake, and breathed into his frame Strength irresistible. The aged chief Prayed to the daughter of almighty Jove, And brandished his