And over all the rest her brows and head
Rise, easily known among them. Even so
Among her women shone the maid unwed.[[12]]
This is the moment for which Athena has been waiting, to bring help to Odysseus.
Thereat the princess to a handmaiden
Threw the ball wide, and missed her, and it fell
In a deep eddy. From them all outbroke
A long shrill cry: and bright Odysseus woke;
And sitting up he pondered inwardly:
“O me, what land is this of mortal folk?”[[12]]