ODYSSEUS
What dost thou, Athena? Do not summon him forth.
ATHENA
Abide in silence. Earn not the name of coward.
ODYSSEUS.
Nay, by the Gods, let him remain within.
ATHENA
What dost thou dread? Was he not once a man?
ODYSSEUS
Yes, and to me a foeman, and still is.
ATHENA
To mock foes, is not that the sweetest mockery?
ODYSSEUS
I am content he should remain indoors.
ATHENA
To look upon a madman art thou afeard?
ODYSSEUS
Had he been sane, no fear had made me shrink.
ATHENA
Even now he shall not see thee, near as thou art.
ODYSSEUS
How so, if still with the same eyes he sees?
ATHENA
His orbs will I make dark, though vision is theirs.
ODYSSEUS
Well, all is possible, when 'tis a god contrives.
ATHENA
Stand then silent, abiding as thou art.
ODYSSEUS
Stay I must; yet I fain would be far hence.
10
