He ended, and sat down upon the hearth Among the ashes, near the fire, and all Were silent utterly. At length outspake Echeneus, oldest and most eloquent chief Of the Phaeacians; large his knowledge was Of things long past. With generous intent, And speaking to the assembly, he began:—
“Alcinoüs, this is not a seemly sight— A stranger sitting on the hearth among The cinders. All the others here await Thy order, and move not. I pray thee, raise The stranger up, and seat him on a throne Studded with silver. Be thy heralds called, And bid them mingle wine, which we may pour To Jove, the god of thunders, who attends And honors every suppliant. Let the dame Who oversees the palace feast provide Our guest a banquet from the stores within.”
This when the reverend king Alcinoüs heard, Forthwith he took Ulysses by the hand— That man of wise devices—raised him up And seated him upon a shining throne, From which he bade Laodamas arise, His manly son, whose seat was next to his.
“Now mingle wine, Protonoüs, in a vase, For all within the palace, to be poured To Jove, the god of thunders, who attends And honors every suppliant.” As he spake Protonoüs mingled the delicious wines, And passed from right to left, distributing The cups to all; and when they all had poured A part to Jove, and all had drunk their fill, Alcinoüs took the word, and thus he said:—
“Princes and chiefs of the Phaeacians, hear, I speak as my heart bids me. Since the feast Is over, take your rest within your homes. Tomorrow shall the Senators be called In larger concourse. We will pay our guest Due honor in the palace, worshipping The gods with solemn sacrifice. And then Will we bethink us how to send him home, That with no hindrance