So she spoke and flew up like a bird. She put strength and courage in his heart and made him think of his father more than before. He understood it was a god, and went toward the suitors like one of the immortals.
Phemius was singing the Achaeans’ bitter homecoming from Troy, which Athena had laid on them. Penelope heard from her upper room and came down the stair with two handmaids. She stood by the doorpost of the hall, holding her veil before her cheeks, and weeping she said:
“Phemius, you know many other deeds of men and gods that charm mortals. Sing one of those, and let them drink in silence. Stop this bitter song that wears my heart — I long always for a man whose fame goes wide through Hellas and mid-Argos.”
Telemachus answered: “Mother, why begrudge the singer what his mind is stirred to give? Singers are not to blame; Zeus gives men what he wills. People praise the newest song most. Endure and listen. Odysseus was not the only one who lost his day of return at Troy. Go to your rooms — the loom and the distaff — and tell your women their work. Speech is for men, and for me most of all; mine is the power in this house.”
She went back in amazement and laid her son’s words to heart. Upstairs she wept for Odysseus until Athena cast sweet sleep on her. The suitors made an uproar through the halls and each prayed to lie beside her.