And when they were all gathered together in one great throng straightway she spake among them with stirring words: (ll.

657-666) "O friends, come let us grant these men gifts to their hearts' desire, such as it is fitting that they should take on ship-board, food and sweet wine, in order that they may steadfastly remain outside our towers, and may not, passing among us for need's sake, get to know us all too well, and so an evil report be widely spread; for we have wrought a terrible deed and in nowise will it be to their liking, should they learn it.

Such is our counsel now, but if any of you can devise a better plan let her rise, for it was on this account that I summoned you hither." (ll.

667-674) Thus she spake and sat upon her father's seat of stone, and then rose up her dear nurse Polyxo, for very age halting upon her withered feet, bowed over a staff, and she was eager to address them.
Near her were seated four virgins, unwedded, crowned with white hair.
And she stood in the midst of the assembly and from her bent back she feebly raised her neck and spake thus: (ll.

675-696) "Gifts, as Hypsipyle herself wishes, let us send to the strangers, for it is better to give them.