guest. The mighty prince Alcinoüs, going through the ship, bestowed The whole beneath the benches, that no one Of those who leaned to pull the oar might thence Meet harm or hindrance. Then they all went back To the king’s palace, and prepared a
The mighty prince Alcinoüs offered up For them an ox to cloud-compelling Jove, The son of Saturn, ruler over all. They burned the thighs, and held high festival, And all was mirth. Divine Demodocus The bard, whom all men reverenced, sang to them. Meantime Ulysses often turned to look At the bright Sun, and longed to see him set, So eager was the hero to set sail Upon his homeward way. As when a swain Awaits his evening meal, for whom all day Two dark-brown steers have dragged the solid plough Through fallow grounds, and welcome is the hour Of sunset, calling him to his repast, And wearily he walks with failing knees, So welcome to Ulysses did the light Of day go down. Then did he hold discourse With the Phaeacians, lovers of the sea, And chiefly with Alcinoüs, speaking thus:—
“O monarch most illustrious of thy race, Alcinoüs, now when ye have duly poured Wine to the gods, be pleased to send me hence In peace, and fare ye well! All that my heart Could wish have ye provided bounteously— An escort and rich gifts; and may the gods Bestow their blessing with them! May I meet My blameless wife again, and find my friends Prosperous! And ye whom I shall leave behind, Long may ye make the wives of your young years And children happy! May the gods vouchsafe To crown with every virtue you and them, And may no evil light upon your isle!”
He spake; the assembly all approved his words, And bade send forth the stranger on his way, Who spake so nobly. Then the mighty prince Alcinoüs turned, and to the herald said:—
“Now mix the wine, Pontonoüs, in a jar, And bear a part to all beneath our roof, That we with prayers to Father Jupiter May send the stranger