The Nymph's Island
For seven years, you have been the captive 'guest' of the nymph Calypso on the island of Ogygia. Though the island is a paradise of violet meadows and crystal springs, you sit daily by the shore, weeping and looking toward the horizon, longing for your rocky home of Ithaca.
Today, Calypso approaches you, her expression a mix of sadness and resignation. The messenger god Mercury has delivered a command from Jove himself: You must be released.
"My poor fellow," Calypso says, "you shall not stay here grieving any longer. I am sending you away of my own free will. Go, cut some beams and make yourself a large raft. I will provision it with bread, wine, and water."
She warns you that if you knew the suffering in store for you, you would stay and become immortal. But your heart is set.