Athena Readies the Ship

32Then did the blue-eyed goddess turn her thoughts
To other plans, and taking on herself
The semblance of Telemachus, she ranged
The city, speaking to each man in turn,
And bidding him at nightfall to repair
To where the good ship lay. That gallant ship
She begged of the renowned Noemon, son
Of Phronius, who with cheerful grace complied.

33The sun went down, the city streets lay all
In shadow. Then she drew the good ship down
Into the sea, and brought and put on board
The appointments every well-built galley needs,
And moored her at the bottom of the port,
Where, in a throng, obedient to the word
Of Athena, round her came her gallant crew.

34With yet a new device the blue-eyed maid
Went to the palace of the godlike chief
Odysseus, where she poured a gentle sleep
Over the suitors. As they drank she made
Their senses wander, and their hands let fall
The goblets. Now no longer at the board
They sat, but sallied forth, and through the town
Went to their slumbers, for the power of sleep
Had fallen heavily upon their lids.
Then blue-eyed Athena from those sumptuous halls
Summoned Telemachus. She took the form
And voice of Mentor, and bespoke him thus: —