Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/172



The Phæacians consult on the subject of Ulysses. Preparation is made for his departure. Antinoüs entertains them at his table. Games follow the entertainment. Demodocus the bard sings, first the loves of Mars and Venus, then the introduction of the wooden horse into Troy. Ulysses, much affected by his song, is questioned by Alcinoüs, whence, and who he is, and what is the cause of his sorrow.

when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, Blush’d in the East, then from his bed arose The sacred might of the Phæacian King. Then uprose also, city-waster Chief, Ulysses, whom the King Alcinoüs Led forth to council at the ships convened. There, side by side, on polish’d stones they sat Frequent; meantime, Minerva in the form Of King Alcinoüs’ herald ranged the town, With purpose to accelerate the return Of brave Ulysses to his native home,