Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/145

352—391. oblige you, among the immortal gods, if Mars should go away, having escaped the debt and the chain?"

But him Earth-shaking Neptune addressed in turn: "O Vulcan, even though Mars, escaping from the debt, should go away flying, I myself will pay thee these things."

But him illustrious Vulcan immediately answered: "It is not possible, nor is it meet to reject thy word."

Thus speaking, the might of Vulcan loosed the chain. When they were loosed from the chain, although it was strong, both rushing forth immediately, he (Mars) went to Thrace, but she, the laughter-loving Venus, came to Cyprus, to Paphos, where is her grove and incensed altar: here the Graces washed her, and anointed her with immortal oil, such as glosses over the gods who exist for ever: and they put beautiful garments around her, a marvel to behold.

These things the illustrious bard sang; and Ulysses was delighted in his mind as he heard it, and also the other Phæacians who use long oars, illustrious sailors. But Alcinous commanded Halius and Laodamas to dance alone, since no one rivalled them. When then they had taken the beautiful purple ball in their hands, which skilful Polybus made for them, one of them, bent backwards, threw it towards the shadowy clouds; and the other, having raised himself on high from the earth, easily laid hold of it, before he reached the ground with his feet. But when they had made trial with the ball straight upwards, they afterwards danced on the fruitful earth, frequently throwing it from one to another, and the other youths applauded, standing in the ring; and a great noise arose under [their feet]. Then divine Ulysses addressed Alcinous:

"O King Alcinous, most illustrious of all the people, you certainly engaged that you were the best dancers, and certainly these things have been accomplished; astonishment possesses me as I behold."

Thus he spoke; and the sacred might of Alcinous rejoiced; and he immediately addressed the oar-loving Phæacians: "Listen, ye leaders and rulers over the Phæacians, the stranger seems to me to be very prudent. But come, let us give him a present of hospitality, as is just; for twelve excellent princes rule, chieftains amongst the people, and I myself