Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/173

VIII. And thus to ev'ry Chief the Goddess spake. Phæacian Chiefs and Senators, away! Haste all to council on the stranger held, Who hath of late beneath Alcinoüs' roof Our King arrived, a wand'rer o'er the Deep, But, in his form, majestic as a God. So saying, she roused the people, and at once The seats of all the senate-court were fill'd With fast-assembling throngs, no few of whom Had mark'd Ulysses with admiring eyes. Then, Pallas o'er his head and shoulders broad Diffusing grace celestial, his whole form Dilated, and to the statelier height advanced, That worthier of all rev'rence he might seem To the Phæacians, and might many a feat Atchieve, with which they should assay his force. When, therefore, the assembly now was full, Alcinoüs, them addressing, thus began. Phæacian Chiefs and Senators! I speak The dictates of my mind, therefore attend. This guest, unknown to me, hath, wand'ring, found My palace, either from the East arrived, Or from some nation on our western side. Safe conduct home he asks, and our consent Here wishes ratified, whose quick return Be it our part, as usual, to promote; For at no time the stranger, from what coast Soe'er, who hath resorted to our doors,