Parting gift deferred

17The prudent youth Telemachus rejoined: —
“Well have you spoken, and with kind intent,
O stranger! like a father to a son;
And never shall I forget what you have said.
Yet stay, I pray you, though in haste, and bathe
And be refreshed, and take to your good ship
Some gift with you, such as may please you well,
Precious and rare, which you may ever keep
In memory of me —a gift like those
Which friendly hosts bestow upon their guests.”

18Then spoke the blue-eyed Athena: “Stay me not,
For now would I depart. Whatever gift
Your heart may prompt you to bestow, reserve
Till I come back, that I may bear it home,
And you shall take some precious thing in turn.”