CHAPTER VI

ULYSSES ON HIS RAFT


Again the gods sate in council on high Olympus, and Athene spake
among them, saying:

"Now let no king be minded to do righteously, for see how there is
no man that remembereth Ulysses, who was as a father to his
people. And he lieth far off, fast bound in Calypso's isle, and
hath no ship to take him to his own country. Also the suitors are
set upon slaying his son, who is gone to Pylos and to Lacedaemon,
that he may get tidings of his father."

To her Zeus made answer: "What is this that thou sayest? Didst not
thou thyself plan this in order that the vengeance of Ulysses
might be wrought upon the suitors? As for Telemachus, guide him by
thy skill, as well thou mayest, so that he may come to his own
land unharmed, and the suitors may have their labour in vain."

Also he said to Hermes: "Hermes, go to the nymph Calypso, and tell
her my sure purpose that Ulysses shall now come back to his home."

So Hermes put on his golden sandals, and took his wand in his
hand, and came to the island of Ogygia [Footnote: O-gyg'-i-a.],
and to the cave where Calypso dwelt. A fair place it was. In the
cave was burning a fire of sweet-smelling wood, and Calypso sat at
her loom, and sang with a lovely voice. And round about the cave