He spake; Calypso, glorious goddess, smiled, And smoothed his forehead with her hand, and said:—
“Perverse, and slow to see where guile is not! How could thy heart permit thee thus to speak? Now bear me witness, Earth, and ye broad Heavens Above us, and ye waters of the Styx That flow beneath us, mightiest oath of all, And most revered by all the blessed gods, That I design no other harm to thee, But that I plan for thee, and counsel thee What I would do were I in need like thine. I bear a juster mind; my bosom holds A pitying heart, and not a heart of steel.”
Thus having said, the glorious goddess moved Away with hasty steps, and where she trod He followed, till they reached the vaulted cave— The goddess and the hero. There he took The seat whence Hermes had just risen. The nymph Brought forth whatever mortals eat and drink To set before him. She right opposite To that of great Ulysses took her seat. Ambrosia there her maidens laid, and there Poured nectar. Both put forth their hands, and took The ready viands, till at length the calls Of hunger and of thirst were satisfied; Calypso, glorious goddess, then began:—
“Son of Laertes, man of many wiles, Highborn Ulysses! thus wilt thou depart Home to thy native country? Then farewell; But, couldst thou know the sufferings Fate ordains For thee ere yet thou landest on its shore, Thou wouldst remain to keep this home with me And be immortal, strong as is thy wish To see thy wife—a wish that day by day Possesses thee. I cannot deem myself In face or form less beautiful than she; For never with immortals can the race Of mortal dames in form or face compare.”
Ulysses, the sagacious, answered her:—