Calypso’s Final Appeal

18Thus having said, the glorious goddess moved
Away with hasty steps, and where she trod
He followed, till they reached the vaulted cave —
The goddess and the hero. There he took
The seat whence Hermes had just risen. The nymph
Brought forth whatever mortals eat and drink
To set before him. She right opposite
To that of great Odysseus took her seat.
Ambrosia there her maidens laid, and there
Poured nectar. Both put forth their hands, and took
The ready viands, till at length the calls
Of hunger and of thirst were satisfied;
Calypso, glorious goddess, then began: —

19“Son of Laertes, man of many wiles,
Highborn Odysseus! thus will you depart
Home to your native country? Then farewell;
But, could you know the sufferings Fate ordains
For you ere yet you land on its shore,
You would remain to keep this home with me
And be immortal, strong as is your wish
To see your wife —a wish that day by day
Possesses you. I cannot deem myself
In face or form less beautiful than she;
For never with immortals can the race
Of mortal dames in form or face compare.”

20Odysseus, the sagacious, answered her: —

21“Bear with me, gracious goddess; well I know
All you could say. The sage Penelope
In feature and in stature comes not nigh
To you, for she is mortal —deathless you,
And ever young; yet day by day I long
To be at home once more, and pine to see
The hour of my return. Even though some god
Smite me on the black ocean, I shall bear
The stroke, for in my bosom dwells a mind
Patient of suffering; much have I endured,
And much survived, in tempests on the deep,
And in the battle; let this happen too.”