“Phaedra I saw, and Procris, and the child Of the wise Minos, Ariadne, famed For beauty, whom the hero Theseus once From Crete to hallowed Athens’ fertile coast Led, but possessed her not. Diana gave Ear to the tale which Bacchus brought to her, And in the isle of Dia slew the maid.
“And Maera I beheld, and Clymenè, And Eriphylè, hateful in her guilt, Who sold her husband for a price in gold. But vainly might I think to name them all— The wives and daughters of heroic men Whom I beheld—for first the ambrosial night Would wear away. And now for me the hour Of sleep is come, at my good ship among My friends, or haply here. Meantime the care For my return is with the gods and you.”
He spake, and all were silent: all within The shadows of those palace-halls were held Motionless by the charm of what he said. And thus the white-armed Queen Aretè spake:—
“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