Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/133

289—320. sun set; and sweet sleep left me. And I perceived the handmaidens of thy daughter, playing on the shore; and amongst them she herself was like unto goddesses. I supplicated her. And she by no means failed of an excellent disposition, (so as thou wouldst not expect a younger one meeting you would do; for the younger are ever foolish,) who gave to me plenty of food and dark wine, and washed me in the river, and gave me these garments. Thus, although grieving, I have told thee the truth."

But him Alcinous answered and addressed in turn: "O guest, certainly my daughter did not consider this properly, because she by no means brought thee to my house with her women attendants; thou, however, didst supplicate her first."

But him much-planning Ulysses addressed in answer: "Hero, do not on that account reprove thy spotless daughter: for she commanded me to follow with her women attendants. But I was not willing, fearing and being ashamed, lest by chance thy mind should be angered when thou didst behold me: for we tribes of men upon the earth are suspicious."

But him Alcinous answered and addressed in turn: "Guest, I have not such a heart within my breast, so as to be wrath in vain; but all things that are proper are better. Would that, O father Jove, and Minerva, and Apollo, being such a one as thou art, and thinking the things which I do, thou wouldst have my daughter, and be called my son-in-law, remaining here; and I would give thee both a house and possessions, if thou wouldst remain willingly; but no one of the Phæacians shall detain thee against thy will; let not this be acceptable to father Jove. But as to this I intend thy voyage to-morrow, that thou mayest be well assured; but until then thou mayest lie down overcome with sleep; and they will quietly row thee, until thou comest to thy country, and house, and if it is any where else agreeable to thee: