Here is the son of that great hero, as you say. But the man is modest, he would be ashamed to make a show of himself, his first time here

"Right you are" – Pisistratus stepped in quickly –
"son of Atreus, King Menelaus, captain of armies:
here is the son of that great hero, as you say.
But the man is modest, he would be ashamed
to make a show of himself, his first time here,
and interrupt you. We delight in your voice
as if some god were speaking!"

– Homer

The Odyssey, Book 4, lines 171-177. Helen and Menelaus have been talking about how Telemachus looks like the son of Odysseus. While Telemachus remains silent, Pisistratus in this passage confirms that he is son of the hero. He explains that Telemachus is much too modest and humble to barge into King Menelaus’ conversation and interrupt him. If Odysseus sometimes has too much pride, Telemachus seems to suffer a deficit of it.

Homer Quotes