"I’d never detain you here too long, Telemachus,
not if your heart is set on going home.
I’d find fault with another host, I’m sure,
too warm to his guests, too pressing or too cold.
Balance is best in all things. It’s bad either way,
spurring the stranger home who wants to linger,
holding the one who longs to leave – you know,
‘Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest!’"
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 15, lines 74-81. When Telemachus tells Menelaus of his intention to depart, the gracious king of Sparta displays his wisdom with these words about hospitality to his parting guests. The son of Atreus shows himself to be the perfect host to Telemachus and Pisistratus.