Mentor Rallies Kin

45Now Athena, daughter of almighty Zeus,
Drew near them. She had taken Mentor’s form
And Mentor’s voice. The much-enduring chief,
Odysseus, saw her and rejoiced, and said
To his beloved son, Telemachus: —

46“Now will you, of yourself, Telemachus,
Bethink you, when you mingle in the fray
That tries men’s valor, not to cast disgrace
Upon your forefathers —a race renowned
For manly daring over all the earth.”

47And thus discreet Telemachus replied:
“Nay, if you will, my father, you shall see
That by no lack of valor shall I cast,
As you have said, dishonor on your race.”

48Laertes heard them, and rejoiced, and said:
“O what a day for me, you blessed gods,
Is this! With what delight I see my son
And grandson rivals on the battlefield.”