Then Eurycleia, the beloved nurse, Answered: “Dear lady, slay me with the sword, Or leave me here alive; I will conceal Nothing that has been done or said. I gave All that he asked, both bread and delicate wine, And took a solemn oath, which he required, To tell thee naught of this till twelve days passed, Or till thou shouldst thyself inquire and hear Of his departure, that those lovely cheeks Might not be stained with tears. Now bathe and put Fresh garments on, and to the upper rooms Ascending, with thy handmaids offer prayer To Pallas, daughter of the god who bears The aegis. She will then protect thy son, Even from death. Grieve not the aged man, Already much afflicted. Sure I am The lineage of Arcesius has not lost The favor of the gods, but someone yet Surviving will possess its lofty halls And its rich acres, stretching far away.”
She spake; the queen repressed her grief, and held Her eyes from tears. She took the bath and put Fresh garments on, and, to the upper rooms Ascending with her maidens, heaped with cakes A canister, and prayed to Pallas thus:—
“Daughter invincible of Jupiter The Aegis-bearer, hear me. If within Thy courts the wise Ulysses ever burned Fat thighs of beeves or sheep, remember it, And rescue my dear son, and bring to naught The wicked plots of the proud suitor-crew.”
She spake, and wept aloud. The goddess heard Her prayer. Meantime the suitors filled with noise The shadowy palace-halls, and there were some Among that throng of arrogant youths who said:—