WAS PALLAS ATHENE AN OWL?
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—A striking coincidence took place in my house to-day. A white owl came in at a window during the night and com- posed herself to sleep in a corner. I gave orders for the room to be left undisturbed, with window down, blinds drawn, and door shut ; and there I left her, as prim and wise an old maid as ever was caught napping with her spectacles fallen off It so happened this same morning that the Homer lesson with my pupils was from Odyssey, Book I., and we discussed the passage where Pallas Athene leaves Telemachus, making her exit up the chimney (as some would interpret the meaning of the line), " Z'plq; -.49ozocia 11.47:Tara." Hardly had the words passed out of our lips when we were surprised to see the owl, as if the old-maid goddess herself, gracefully sail in measured flight across the garden Thinking that some one had let the bird out, I at once went to the room, but found it just as I had left it, but the captive gone. That the " owl- eyed " goddess passed up the chimney I have little doubt!- I am, Sir, &c., FRANK W. J. DA.IIIELB.
Stanwick Rectory, Iligham Ferrer; October 3rd.
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