Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/212

176 of his companions who were driving on, when they hastened with their oars. But they went to Alcinous's, and made ready a feast. And the sacred might of Alcinous sacrificed an ox for them to Jove, the dark-clouded son of Saturn, who rules over all. And burning the thighs, they banqueted a glorious banquet, delighting themselves: and amongst them the divine bard sang, Demodocus, honoured by the people: but Ulysses frequently turned his head towards the shining sun, anxious for it to go down; for now he desired to return. And as when a man is longing for his supper, for whom during the whole day two dun steers have drawn the compact plough through a fallow, and welcome to him the light of the sun is setting, that he may go to supper, and his knees are hurt as he goes: so welcome to Ulysses did the light of the sun set. And he immediately conversed with the oar-loving Phæacians, and addressing Alcinous especially, he spoke words:

"O King Alcinous, most glorious of all the people, having made libations, do ye send me unharmed, and yourselves farewell: for now are the things completed which my dear mind wished, an escort and friendly gifts, which may the heavenly gods make prosperous for me: and returning, may I find my spotless wife at home, with my friends, in safety. But do ye, remaining here, delight your virgin-wedded wives and children; and may the gods accord them every kind of virtue; and may there be no public evil."

Thus he spoke, and they all approved, and ordered them to send the stranger, since he had spoken rightly. And then Alcinous addressed the herald:

"O Pontonous, having mixed a cup, distribute wine to all in the palace: that having prayed to father Jove, we may send the stranger to his paternal land."

Thus he spoke; but Pontonous mixed the sweet wine, and distributed it to all in succession; but they made libations to