Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/215

122—163. together near the root of the olive-tree, out of the way, lest by chance any one of way-faring men coming should do them harm before Ulysses awoke. And they themselves went home again; nor did Neptune forget the threats with which he first threatened godlike Ulysses; but he asked the counsel of Jove:

"O father Jove, no longer shall I be honoured amongst the immortal gods, since mortals do not honour me, the Phæacians, who are however of my race. For I just now said that Ulysses should come home, having suffered many ills; but I by no means took away his return altogether, since thou first didst promise and grant it. But they, having taken him asleep over the sea in a swift ship, have placed him in Ithaca, and given him abundance of gifts, plenty of brass and gold, and a woven garment, as many things as Ulysses would never have taken from Troy, if he had returned unharmed, having obtained by lot his share of the booty."

But him cloud-compelling Jove answering addressed: "Alas! powerful Neptune, what hast thou said? the gods by no means dishonour thee; difficult would it be to aim at the oldest and most excellent with insults. But if any one of men, yielding to violence and strength, does not honour thee, thou hast always the means of revenge hereafter. Do as thou wilt, and as is dear to thy mind."

But him earth-shaking Neptune immediately answered: "I would quickly do as thou advise, O thou black-clouded one: but thy wrath I always hold in awe and avoid. Now then I wish to destroy the beautiful ship of the Phæacians, returning from the escort [of Ulysses] on the misty sea, that now they may abstain and cease from the escort of men: and that a mighty mountain should cover their city around."

But him cloud-compelling Jove answering addressed: "My friend, thus indeed to my mind it seems to be best. When all the people from the city are now looking to it driving along, place a stone near the land like unto a swift ship, that all men may marvel; and that a great mountain may cover their city around."

But when earth-shaking Neptune heard this, he hastened to Scheria, where the Phæacians are born, he remained there; and the sea-traversing ship came very near, swiftly making its way: and the Earth-shaker came near it, who