Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/220

184 rich people of the Phæacians, and thyself didst conduct me to the city.] But now, by thy father, I entreat thee, for I do not think that I am come to western Ithaca, but am now in some other land: but I think that thou sayest these things, mocking me, that thou mayest deceive my mind. Tell me if in truth I am come to my dear country."

But him the blue-eyed goddess Minerva immediately answered: "Thou hast ever such a thought in thy breast: therefore I cannot leave thee, who art unhappy, because thou art a man of words, and shrewd, and prudent. For any other man gladly returning from wandering would desire to see his children and wife in his palace; but it is not yet agreeable for thee to know or inquire, before thou shalt make some trial of thy wife, who in vain sits in thy palace, but unto her mourning the nights and days always waste away. But I never mistrusted this, but knew in my mind that thou wouldst return, having lost all thy companions. But I did not wish to contend with my uncle Neptune, who had set wrath against thee in his mind, enraged, because thou didst blind his dear son. But come, I will show thee the seat of Ithaca, that thou mayest believe. This is the port of Phorcys, the old man of the sea: and this is the large-leafed olive at the head of the port, [and near it there is a delightful shadowy cave, sacred to the Nymphs who are called Naïds]. But this is the wide-covered cave, where thou didst sacrifice many perfect hecatombs to the Nymphs: and this is Neritos, a mountain clothed with wood."

Thus having spoken, the goddess dispersed the mist; and the earth appeared: and much-enduring divine Ulysses was then glad, rejoicing in his own land: and he kissed the bounteous plain. And immediately uplifting his hands, he prayed to the Nymphs.

"O Naïd Nymphs, ye daughters of Jove, I never thought that I should behold you; but now I salute you with mild prayers: but we will also give gifts, even as before, if the daughter of Jove, the huntress, will willingly permit both myself to live, and will make my dear son increase."

But him the blue-eyed goddess Minerva addressed in turn: "Be confident, let not these things be a care to thee in thy mind. But come, let us now straightway put the chattels in the recess of the divine cave, that even these may remain