Athena Transforms Odysseus

17He spoke to speed the swineherd, who took up
His sandals, bound them on, and bent his way
Townward. Not unperceived by Athena went
Eumaeus from the lodge. She came in shape
A woman beautiful and stately, skilled
In household arts, the noblest. Near the gate
She stood, right opposite. Odysseus saw;
Telemachus beheld her not; the gods
Not always manifest themselves to all.
Odysseus and the mastiffs saw; the dogs
Barked not, but, whimpering, fled from her and sought
The stalls within. She beckoned with her brows;
Odysseus knew her meaning and came forth,
And passed the great wall of the court, and there
Stood near to Athena, who bespoke him thus: —

18“Son of Laertes, nobly born and wise,
Speak with your son; conceal from him the truth
No longer, that, prepared to make an end
Of that vile suitor-crew, you may go up
Into the royal town. Nor long will I
Be absent; I am ready for the assault.”

19Thus spoke the goddess. Putting forth a wand
Of gold, she touched the chief. Beneath that touch
His breast was covered with a new-blanched robe
And tunic. To his frame it gave new strength;
His swarthy color came again, his cheeks
Grew full, and the beard darkened on his chin.
This done, she disappeared. Odysseus came
Into the lodge again; his son beheld
Amazed and overawed, and turned his eyes
Away, as if in presence of a god,
And thus bespoke the chief with winged words: —