Athena Meets Odysseus

2Now rose Odysseus up, and townward turned
His steps, while friendly Athena wrapt his way
In darkness, lest someone among the sons
Of the Phaeacians with unmannerly words
Might call to him or ask him who he was.
And just as he was entering that fair town
The blue-eyed Athena met him, in the form
Of a young virgin with an urn. She stood
Before him, and Odysseus thus inquired: —

3“Will you, my daughter, guide me to the house
Where dwells Alcinous, he who rules this land?
I am a stranger, who have come from far
After long hardships, and of all who dwell
Within this realm I know not even one.”

4Athena, the blue-eyed goddess, thus replied: —
“Father and stranger, I will show the house;
The dwelling of my own good father stands
Close by it. Follow silently, I pray,
And I will lead. Look not on any man
Nor ask a question; for the people here
Affect not strangers, nor do oft receive
With kindly welcome him who comes from far.
They trust in their swift barques, which to and fro,
By Poseidon’s favor, cross the mighty deep.
Their galleys have the speed of wings or thought.”