Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/191

327—366. not relate nor name all, how many wives and daughters of heroes I beheld; for even the immortal night would first waste away. But it is time for me to sleep, either going to the swift ship to my companions, or here; but my conduct will be a care to the gods and to you."

Thus he spoke; but they all had been hushed in silence, and fast held by the soothing [of his words] through the shadowy palace. But white-armed Arete began speaking to them:

"O Phæacians, how does this man appear to you to be, in form, and size, and in equal mind within? He indeed is my guest: but each of you shares the honour: do not therefore dismiss him in haste, nor be sparing in presents to one thus in want, for many possessions lie in your houses through the kindness of the gods."

The aged hero Echenëus, [who was the oldest of the Phæacians,] also addressed them: "O my friends, the prudent queen does not speak to you away from the mark, nor from propriety; but do ye obey [her]; but both the deed and word of this depends upon Alcinous."

But him Alcinous answered in turn, and said: "This word shall indeed be so, if I reign alive over the oar-loving Phæacians. But let the stranger endure, although very much craving a return, to remain at all events till to-morrow, until I shall complete the whole gift; for his conduct shall be all men's care, but mine especially; for mine is the power amongst the people."

But him much-counselling Ulysses answering addressed: "O King Alcinous, most glorious of all the people, if thou shouldst command me to remain here even for a year, and shouldst prepare my conduct, and give me noble gifts, I should wish it indeed, and it would be much better, that I should come to my dear country with a fuller hand; and I should be more honoured, and beloved by all men, as many as should behold me returning to Ithaca."

But him Alcinous answered in turn, and said: "O Ulysses, looking upon thee, we do not suspect that at all, that you are an impostor and thief, many such as far-scattered men the black earth feeds, contriving falsehoods, from whence no one would perceive it; but thou hast both a fashion of words and good