Simple Japanese

As she said this, the sun set and twilight arrived. The goddess Athena, with her shining eyes, told everyone, "Old man, your story was truly well-structured. Now, cut up the offering tongue and mix it with wine. Let us offer a libation to Poseidon and the other immortal gods, and then let us sleep. It is already that time. Light has gone down into darkness. It is not appropriate for us to sit at the feast of the gods for too long. We should return."

Zeus's daughter said this, and everyone followed her words. The messengers poured water into their hands, and the young men filled the mixing bowls with wine. They distributed cups to everyone, first making a libation, then they threw the sacrificial tongue onto the fire. After everyone had made a libation and finished drinking to their hearts' content, Athena and Telemachus, who resembled a god, both tried to return to the ship. However, Nestor spoke up and stopped them. "May Zeus and the other immortal gods not allow you to leave my house for the ship. Would it be right for you to depart from a poor household that lacks sufficient clothing and bedding, where neither host nor guest can sleep well? My home has cloaks and fine bedding. Telemachus, Odysseus's beloved son, will never lie on the deck of a ship while I am alive. Afterwards, my sons who remain in the hall will entertain any guests who visit my house."

The radiant goddess Athena answered, "Beloved old man, your words are correct. Telemachus should follow you. He will sleep in your hall tonight and go with you. I will go to the black ship and encourage my companions, telling them what to do. Among them, I am the oldest, while the others are all young men. They are about the same age as brave Telemachus. Tonight, rest near the ship, and tomorrow morning, go to the land of the strong Phaeacians. They have a debt to repay; it is not for something new or insignificant. Since he has come to your house, put your son in a chariot and send him away, giving him the fastest and strongest horse."

With those words, Athena transformed into an eagle and flew away. All who saw her were astonished. The old king was amazed by what had happened before his eyes, and he took Telemachus's hand and spoke to him.

"My friend, since the gods are your companions, I do not think that you are a lowly or powerless person. This is Athena, daughter of Zeus, one of the Olympian gods, and she was revered by your noble father as well. Queen, please grant me glorious honor for my sons and wife who revere you. In return, I will offer you a young heifer with a broad forehead, a one-year-old heifer that has never been yoked. I will cover her horns with gold and present her to you." As Nestor said this while praying, Pallas Athena heard his prayer.