Libations at Nightfall

23He spoke; the sun went down; the darkness crept
Over the earth, and blue-eyed Athena said: —
“Most wisely have you spoken, ancient man.
Now cut you out the tongues, and mingle wine,
That we to Poseidon and the other gods
May pour libations, and then think of rest;
For now the hour is come; the light is gone,
Nor at a feast in honor of the gods
Should we long sit, but in good time withdraw.”

24Zeus’ daughter spoke; they hearkened to her words;
The heralds came to them, and on their hands
Poured water; boys began to fill the bowls
To the hard brim, and ministered to each
From left to right. Then threw they to the flames
The victims’ tongues, and, rising, poured on earth
Wine to the gods; and when that rite was paid,
And when their thirst was satiate, Athena rose
With nobly-born Telemachus to go
To their good ship, but Nestor still detained
The twain, and chidingly bespoke them thus: —