Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/156

148 Long since, and to Alcinoüs she had fall'n By public gift, for that he ruled, supreme, Phæacia, and as oft as he harangued The multitude, was rev'renced as a God. She waited on the fair Nausicaa, she Her fuel kindled, and her food prepared. And now Ulysses from his seat arose To seek the city, around whom, his guard Benevolent, Minerva, cast a cloud, Lest, haply, some Phæacian should presume T' insult the Chief, and question whence he came. But ere he enter'd yet the pleasant town, Minerva azure-eyed met him, in form A blooming maid, bearing her pitcher forth. She stood before him, and the noble Chief Ulysses, of the Goddess thus enquired. Daughter! wilt thou direct me to the house Of brave Alcinoüs, whom this land obeys? For I have here arrived, after long toil, And from a country far remote, a guest To all who in Phæacia dwell, unknown. To whom the Goddess of the azure-eyes. The mansion of thy search, stranger revered! Myself will shew thee; for not distant dwells Alcinoüs from my father's own abode: But hush! be silent—I will lead the way; Mark no man; question no man; for the sight Of strangers is unusual here, and cold