speak Becomingly may not in time to come Dispraise that prowess, now, then, heed my words, And speak of them within thy palace halls To other heroes when thou banquetest Beside thy wife and children, and dost think Of things that we excel in—arts which Jove Gives us, transmitted from our ancestors. In boxing and in wrestling small renown Have we, but we are swift of foot; we guide Our galleys bravely o’er the deep; we take Delight in feasts; we love the harp, the dance, And change of raiment, the warm bath and bed. Rise, then, Phaeacian masters of the dance, And tread your measures, that our guest may tell His friends at home how greatly we surpass All other men in seamanship, the race, The dance, the art of song. Go, one of you, And bring Demodocus his clear-toned harp, That somewhere in our palace has been left.”
Thus spake the godlike king. The herald rose To bring the sweet harp from the royal house.
Then the nine umpires also rose, who ruled The games; they smoothed the floor, and made the ring Of gazers wider. Next the herald came, And brought Demodocus the clear-toned harp.
The minstrel went into the midst, and there Gathered the graceful dancers; they were youths In life’s first bloom. With even steps they smote The sacred floor. Ulysses, gazing, saw The twinkle of their feet and was amazed.
The minstrel struck the chords and gracefully Began the lay: he sang the loves of Mars And Venus of the glittering crown, who first Had met each other stealthily beneath The roof of Vulcan. Mars with many gifts Won her, and wronged her spouse, the King of Fire; But from the Sun, who saw their guilt, there came A messenger to