Athena led the way, assuming the pilot’s seat

Reserved astern, and he sat close beside her.

Cables cast off, the crew swung to the oarlocks.

Bright-eyed Athena sent them a stiff following wind

Rippling out from the west, ruffling over the wine-dark sea

As Telemachus shouted out commands to all his shipmates:

“All lay hands to tackle!” They sprang to the orders,

hoisting the pinewood mast, they stepped it trim
 in its block amidships, lashed it fast with stays

and with braided rawhide halyards hauled the white sail high.

Suddenly wind hit full and the canvas bellied out
 and a dark blue wave, foaming up at the bow,

Sang out loud and strong as the ship made way,

Skimming the whitecaps, cutting toward her goal.

All running gear secure in the swift black craft,

They set up bowls and brimmed them high with wine…