Go then at once to Nestor, the renowned In horsemanship, and we shall see what plan He hath in mind for thee. Entreat him there That frankly he declare it. He will speak No word of falsehood; he is truly wise.”
And thus discreet Telemachus replied:—
“O Mentor, how shall I approach the chief, And with what salutation? Little skill Have I in courtly phrase, and shame becomes A youth in questioning an aged man.”
Pallas, the blue-eyed goddess, spake again:— “In part thy mind will prompt thy speech; in part A god will put the words into thy mouth— For well I deem that thou wert neither born Nor trained without the favor of the gods.”
Thus having said, the blue-eyed Pallas moved With hasty pace before, and in her steps He followed close, until they reached the seats Of those assembled Pylians. Nestor there Sat with his sons, while his companions stood Around him and prepared the feast, and some Roasted the flesh at fires, and some transfixed The parts with spits. As they beheld the approach Of strangers they advanced, and took their hands, And bade them sit. Peisistratus, a son Of Nestor, came the first of all, and took A hand of each, and placed them at the feast On the soft hides that o’er the ocean sand Were spread beside his brother Thrasymedes And his own father; brought for their repast Parts of the entrails, poured for them the wine Into a golden goblet, held it forth In his right hand, and with these words bespake Pallas, the child of aegis-bearing Jove:—
“Pray, stranger, to King Neptune. Ye have chanced Upon his feast in coming to our coast. And after thy libation poured, and prayer Made to the god, give over to thy friend The goblet of choice wine that he may make Libation also; he, I question not, Prays to the gods; we all have need of them. A younger man is he than thou, and seems In age to be my equal; therefore I Will give the golden goblet first to thee.”