Odysseus Arms for Battle

42He spoke, and eager as she was before,
Encouraged by his words, the goddess plunged
Down from the summits of the Olympian mount.
Now when they all had feasted to the full,
The much-enduring chief, Odysseus, said:
“Go, one of you, and see if they are near.”

43He spoke; a son of Dolius at his word
Went forth, and, coming to the threshold, stopped.
He saw them all at hand, and instantly
Bespoke Odysseus thus, with winged words:
“They are upon us; we must arm at once.”

44He spoke; they rose, and quickly were in arms.
Four were Odysseus and his friends, and six
The sons of Dolius. Old Laertes then,
And Dolius, put on armor with the rest,
Gray-headed as they were, for now their aid
Was needed. When they all had clad themselves
In shining brass, they threw the portals wide
And sallied forth, Odysseus at their head.