Then as the sun went down The balmy slumber left me, and I saw Thy daughter’s handmaids sporting on the shore, And her among them, goddess-like. To her I came a suppliant, nor did she receive My suit unkindly as a maid so young Might do, for youth is foolish. She bestowed Food and red wine abundantly, and gave, When I had bathed, the garments I have on. Thus is my tale of suffering truly told.”
And then Alcinoüs answered him and said:— “Stranger, one duty hath my child o’erlooked— To bid thee follow hither with her maids, Since thou didst sue to her the first of all.”
Ulysses, the sagacious, thus replied:—
“Blame not for that, O hero, I entreat, Thy faultless daughter. She commanded me To follow with her maids, but I refrained For fear and awe of thee, lest, at the sight, Thou mightest be displeased; for we are prone To dark misgivings—we, the sons of men.”
Again Alcinoüs spake: “The heart that beats Within my bosom is not rashly moved To wrath, and better is the temperate mood. This must I say, O Father Jupiter, And Pallas and Apollo!