And then the shadowy image spake again:—
“Be of good courage; let not fear o’ercome Thy spirit, for there goes with him a guide Such as all others would desire to have Beside them ever, trusting in her power— Pallas Athene, and she looks on thee With pity. From her presence I am sent, Her messenger, declaring this to thee.”
Again discreet Penelope replied:— “If then thou be a goddess and hast heard A goddess speak these words, declare, I pray, Of that ill-fated one, if yet he live And look upon the sun, or else have died And passed to the abodes beneath the earth.”
Once more the shadowy image spake:
“Of him Will I say nothing, whether living yet Or dead; no time is this for idle words.”
She said, and from the chamber glided forth Beside the bolt, and mingled with the winds.
Then quickly from her couch of sleep arose The daughter of Icarius, for her heart Was glad, so plainly had the dream conveyed Its message in the stillness of the night.
Meanwhile the suitors on their ocean-path Went in their galley, plotting cruelly To slay Telemachus. A rocky isle Far in the middle sea, between the coast Of Ithaca and craggy Samos, lies, Named Asteris; of narrow bounds, yet there A sheltered haven is to which two straits Give entrance. There the Achaians lay in wait.