Mentor’s Disguise

28They left him in that painful plight, and put
Their armor on, and closed the shining door,
And went, and by Odysseus, versed in wiles,
Stood breathing valor. Four were they who stood
Upon that threshold, while their foes within
Were many and brave. Then Athena, child of Zeus,
Drew near, like Mentor both in shape and voice.
Odysseus saw her, and rejoiced and said: —

29“Come, Mentor, to the aid of one who loves
And has befriended you, your peer in age.”

30Thus said Odysseus, but believed he spoke
To Athena, scatterer of hosts. Fierce shouts
Came from the suitors in the hall, and first,
Thus Agelaus railed, Damastor’s son: —

31“Mentor, let not Odysseus wheedle you
To join him, and make war on us, for this
Our purpose is, and it will be fulfilled:
When by our hands the father and the son
Are slain, you also shall be put to death
For this attempt, and your own head shall be
The forfeit. When we shall have taken thus
Your life with our good weapons, we will seize
On all you have, on all your wealth within
Your dwelling or without, and, mingling it
With the possessions of Odysseus, leave
Within your palaces no son of yours
Or daughter living, and no virtuous wife
Of yours, abiding here in Ithaca.”