In this invocation from The Odyssey, the poet (Homer) asks a goddess for inspiration. He describes Odysseus’ character and gives a brief summary of his wanderings. Paraphrase the text by "translating" each line into modern-day English. The first two lines are done for you.


Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story

Use me, Muse, to tell the story

of that man skilled in all ways of contending,

Of the skilled fighter

the wanderer, harried for years on end,

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after he plundered the stronghold on the proud height of Troy.

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He saw the townlands

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and learned the minds of many distant men,

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and weathered many bitter nights and days

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