“Phaeacians, how appears this man to you In form, in stature, and well-judging mind? My guest he is, but each among you shares The honor of the occasion. Now, I pray, Dismiss him not in haste, nor sparingly Bestow your gifts on one in so much need; For in your dwellings is much wealth, bestowed Upon you by the bounty of the gods.”
Then also Echeneüs, aged chief, The oldest man of the Phaeacians, spake:—
“My friends, the word of our sagacious queen Errs not, nor is ill-timed, and yours it is To hearken and obey: but all depends Upon Alcinoüs—both the word and deed.”
And then in turn Alcinoüs spake: “That word Shall be fulfilled, if I am ruler here O’er the Phaeacians, skilled in seamanship. But let the stranger, though he long for home, Bear to remain till morning, that his store Of gifts may be complete. To send him home Shall be the charge of all, but mostly mine, Since mine it is to hold the sovereign power.”
And then the wise Ulysses said: “O King Alcinoüs, eminent o’er all thy race! Shouldst thou command me to remain with thee Even for a twelvemonth, and at length provide For my return, and give me princely gifts, Even that would please me; for with fuller hands, The happier were my lot on my return To my own land. I should be honored then, And meet a kinder welcome there from all Who see me in my Ithaca once more.”
And then again in turn Alcinoüs spake:— “Ulysses, when we look on thee, we feel No fear that thou art false, or one of those, The many, whom the dark earth nourishes, Wandering at large, and forging lies, that