He was convinced at last; and together they went back to the cavern for the evening meal. Calypso served to Odysseus his mortal food, and her handmaidens set before her the deathless wine of the immortals. And while they ate, she suddenly realized how soon she must part from him. Her brave mood faded as she thought how lonely she would be when he had gone; and thought too of the struggles which Odysseus had yet to make before he reached his home. Again the haunting question came—Why need he go at all? Why would he not stay with her? And though she knew there was no hope, she pleaded with him once more. “_Odysseus, may your longing nought withhold To your own land so straightway to be gone? Then fare you well; but had your heart foretold_ “_How many woes the fates for you decree Before you reach your country, here with me You had abode, and in this house had kept, And been immortal, howso fain to see_ “_That wife for whom through all your days you pine: Yet deem I not her beauty more than mine. Since hardly mortal woman may compare In shape and beauty with my race divine._“[11] Odysseus had recovered his gallantry now. He begged Calypso not to be wroth with him for desiring to go, and acknowledged that Penelope was by no means so fair as she. As to the ill that he had still to suffer, he would incline his heart to endurance: “And now, let this too follow after, if it will.” Under his courteous manner lay a stern resolve; and as soon as morning came, Calypso set herself to prepare his going. Though her heart was very sore, she helped him readily. [Illustration: CALYPSO & ODYSSEUS _Patten Wilson_ ] _... The nymph threw round her a garment of glistering whiteness, Delicate, lovely; and over her waist then fastened a girdle, Beautiful, fashioned of gold; and her head in a hood she enveloped. Then she bethought her to send on his way great-hearted Odysseus. Firstly a great wood-axe, in his hands well-fitted, she gave him, Fashioned of bronze, two-edged. ... ... and going before him Led to an end of the isle where tall straight timber was growing; Alder was there and poplar and pine which reacheth to heaven, Dry long since, well-seasoned and buoyant to float on the water._[10] Odysseus wrought joyfully at the raft, building with infinite care and skill a strong, seaworthy vessel. Calypso brought out to him the store of fair cloth that she had woven upon her loom, and of this he made the sails, with “brace and sheet and halyard.” When all the strenuous toil was completed, he drew the raft on rollers down to the sea and made ready to sail.