Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/22

xviii voyage, and to the master of the vessel. May I arrive safely at the foot of frowning Mimas, and meet with just and worthy men! May I also avenge myself on the man, who, by deceit, has irritated Zeus, the hospitable god, against him; who, admitting me to his table, afterwards violated the sacred duties of the host in my person."

Arrived at Erythræ, with favourable winds, Homer remained for the rest of the day on board the vessel, but, next morning, begged the sailors to allow some one of them to conduct him to the town. They granted his request. He departed, and having come to Erythræ, which is situated in a naked and rocky country, recited the following verses:

"Holy Mother Gaia, who dispensest thy riches to mankind, prodigal in goodness to those whom thou favourest; to those who offend thee thou apportionest only a rocky and sterile soil."

On his arrival he made inquiries concerning the navigation to Chios. A person who had known Homer in Phocæa, remembering him with regard, approached and embraced him. Homer begged his aid, which he readily gave.

Not finding any ship in the harbour, they went to that part of the strand whence the fishermen usually put off, where they found one about to sail for Chios. The conductor of Homer entreated them to take him across with them; but, deaf to his prayers, they continued their preparations for departure. Homer, on this occurrence, made the following verses:

"Mariners, who traverse the seas, continually exposed to the hard vicissitudes of fortune, and who, to regale the more luxurious, seek a hardly-earned subsistence on the waves, honour Zeus, the god of hospitality, who reigns over us. His wrath is dreadful; beware lest it burst on your heads, should you offend him."