“_But for his land Odysseus longs so sore That even the smoke upcurling from its shore Fain would he see and die...._ “_Did not Odysseus on the gods bestow Guerdon of sacrifices long ago, Down in wide Troy beside the Argive ships? Why does your wrath, O Zeus, afflict him so?_“[11] Zeus gently reproved his splendid daughter. Is it to be supposed that he has forgotten wise Odysseus, famed for his piety, and the constant friend of gods and men? But there are reasons—partly the foolishness and rashness of the hero and his men—why all these delays and reverses have fallen upon him; and but for Zeus they would have brought on him destruction long ago. Athena may set her mind at rest, however: the hour has come for his deliverance. The great Father of the Gods turned to his messenger: “_Hermes,—for ever as herald thou bear’st the behests of immortals— Bring to the fair-tressed nymph our will’s immutable verdict, Even that patient Odysseus return and arrive at his homeland.... Thus is he fated his friends once more to revisit and once more Win to his high-roofed home and arrive at the land of his fathers._“[10] Swift as light itself, Hermes sped down to Calypso’s island and passed up through the flowering garden that embowered her cavern. He paused a moment before entering, to let his glance roam over the peaceful beauty of the scene and to breathe the delicious fragrance of the evening air. _Till at the last, when his spirit was fully contented with gazing, Into the wide-mouthed cavern he entered; and standing before her Straightway known was the god to the beautiful goddess Calypso, Seeing that never unknown is a deity unto another, None of the spirits immortal, not e’en if he dwells at a distance._[10] Calypso greeted him gladly, not divining the cruel message that he was charged to deliver. And while she hospitably set before him the deathless food of the gods, she eagerly inquired the reason of his unwonted visit. “_Why come you, Hermes of the Rod of Gold, Gracious and dear? You come not oft of old. Speak, and most gladly to my power will I Do your desire, if fate have so controlled._“[11] Hermes was reluctant to tell his errand, knowing the pain that it would cause Calypso; and not until the meal was over did he reveal it. He had come against his will, he said, with a decree of Zeus concerning the hero whom she is detaining in her island. Odysseus must be released. _So spake he; but aghast thereat his word The bright of Goddesses Calypso heard, And answering, spake a winged word to him: “Jealous you are, O Gods, to envy stirred_ _“Beyond all others, and can never brook On loves of Goddesses and men to look...._