"I don’t grudge these arrogant suitors for a moment,
weaving their violent work with all their wicked hearts –
they lay their lives on the line when they consume
Odysseus’ worldly goods, blind in their violence,
telling themselves that he’ll come home no more.
But all the rest of you, how you rouse my fury!
Sitting here in silence…
never a word put forth to curb these suitors,
paltry few as they are and you so many."
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 2, lines 263-271. Athena, disguised as Mentor, sternly criticizes the people of Ithaca. She tells them that they should be ashamed for remaining silent and doing nothing while greedy suitors devour Odysseus’ estate. Athena often impersonates Mentor, a son of Alcimus and friend of Odysseus.