Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/148

112 me both to go home, and to see the day of my return: then there also to thee, as to a deity, would I pray still all my days; for thou hast saved my life, O damsel."

He spoke, and sat on a throne near king Alcinous. And they now both divided the shares [of the feast], and mixed wine. And a herald came near, bringing the harmonious bard, Demodocus, honoured by the people; and he sat him in the midst of the feasters, having propped him against a lofty column. Then indeed much-planning Ulysses addressed the herald, having first cut off [a portion] from the back; and a great part of a white-tusked swine was left, and rich fat was about it.

"Herald, take and give this flesh to Demodocus, that he may eat; and I will embrace him, although grieved. For by all earthly men bards are allotted honour and respect, because indeed the Muse has taught them songs, and loves the tribe of bards."

Thus he spoke; but the herald, bringing it, placed it in the hands of the hero Demodocus; and he received it and rejoiced in his mind. And they stretched forth their hands to the food which lay ready before them. But when they had taken away the desire of drinking and eating, then truly much-planning Ulysses addressed Demodocus:

"O Demodocus, I indeed praise thee above all mortals; either the Muse, child of Jove, has taught thee, or Apollo at least; for thou singest well in order the fate of the Achæans, both what things they did, and suffered, and what things the Achæans laboured; as if perchance either being thyself present, or having heard from another. But come now, change [the strain] and sing the preparation of the wooden horse, which Epeus made with Minerva, which divine Ulysses formerly brought into the citadel, a stratagem, having filled it with men who sacked Ilium. If indeed thou shouldst tell me these things in order, I will immediately tell to all men, how a kind god has bestowed on thee divine song."

Thus he spoke; and he, inspired by the god, began, and showed forth his song, taking it from thence, how the Argives, some indeed having embarked in the well-benched ships, sailed away, having hurled fire into their tents; and others now were sitting around all-famous Ulysses in the forum of the Trojans,