transform it to a rock In semblance of a galley, that they all May gaze in wonder; thus wilt thou have caused A lofty mount to stand before their
This when the shaker of the shores had heard, He flew to Scheria, the Phaeacian isle, And stood, until that galley, having crossed The sea, came swiftly scudding. He drew near And smote it with his open palm, and made The ship a rock, fast rooted in the bed Of the deep sea, and then he went his way.
Then winged words were spoken in that throng Of the Phaeacians, wielders of long oars, And far renowned in feats of seamanship. And, looking on each other, thus they said:—
“Ha! what has stayed our good ship on the sea? This moment we beheld her hastening home.”
’Twas thus they talked, unweeting of the cause. But then Alcinoüs to the assembly said:—
“Yes! now I call to mind the ancient words Of prophecy—my father’s—who was wont To say that Neptune sorely is displeased That we should give to every man who comes Safe escort to his home. In coming times— Such was my father’s prophecy—the god Would yet destroy a well-appointed barque Of the Phaeacians on the misty deep Returning from an escort, and would cause A lofty mount to stand before our town.
So prophesied the aged man; his words Are here fulfilled. Now do as I appoint, And let us all obey. Henceforth refrain From bearing to their homes the strangers thrown Upon our coast; and let us sacrifice To Neptune twelve choice bullocks of the herd, That he may pity us, nor hide our town With a huge mountain from the sight of men.”
He spake, and they were awed and straightway brought The bullocks for the sacrifice. So prayed To sovereign Neptune the Phaeacian chiefs And