Homer, Odyssey

ToposText · Homer · 2,435 sections

urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.275
§ 6.275 and one of the crueler, if he met us now by chance, might say so: “Who is this big handsome stranger who follows Nausicaa? Where did she find him? He's sure to be her husband, or perhaps she's rescued one who's wandered from his ship of men who live far off, since there none are nearby.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.280
§ 6.280 Or did some god, long prayed to, come down to her from heaven, and will he have her all her days? It's better, even if she went about herself and found a husband elsewhere, for throughout the district she slights her own Phaeacians, the many good ones who woo her.”
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.285
§ 6.285 So they'd say, and these would be censures for me. I, too, would resent another who did such things, who, while her dear father and mother are alive, against their will mixes with men before she goes to her public wedding. Stranger, quickly heed my words, so you may very quickly
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.290
§ 6.290 obtain escort and return home from my father. You'll find Athena's splendid grove of poplars near the road. A spring flows in it, with a meadow on both sides. My father's property and luxuriant garden are there, as far from the city as one who shouts is heard.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.295
§ 6.295 Sit there and wait for time for us to come to the city and reach my father's house. Then, when you suppose we've arrived at the house, go to the Phaeacians' city then and ask for the house of my great-hearted father Alcinous.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.300
§ 6.300 It's easily recognized. Even a foolish child could lead the way, for it's not built at all like theirs, the Phaeacian's houses, such is the house of Alcinous the hero. But when the house and courtyard cover you, go very quickly through the hall until you reach
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.305
§ 6.305 my mother, seated in firelight at the hearth, spinning sea-purple wool, a wonder to behold, as she leans against a pillar and her slaves sit behind her. There, leaning on the same, is the throne of my father, on which he sits and drinks wine like an immortal.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.310
§ 6.310 Go past him and throw your hand around our mother's knees, so you might quickly rejoice to see your homecoming day, even if you're from very far away. For if she, in her heart, thinks friendly thoughts for you, then there's hope for you, that you'll see your loved ones
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.315
§ 6.315 and reach your well-built house and your fatherland. So saying, with a shiny lash she whipped the mules, who swiftly left the river's stream. They ran well and pranced well on their feet, but she drove so those on foot could follow,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.320
§ 6.320 her handmaids and Odysseus, and laid on the whip with discretion. The sun set, and they reached the famed sacred grove of Athena, where Odysseus sat down. Then he prayed at once to great Zeus's daughter: “Hear me, Atrytone, child of aegis-bearing Zeus,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.325
§ 6.325 and hear me right now, since, before, you never heard me, battered, when the famed earthshaker battered me. Grant that I come welcomed and pitied to the Phaeacians.” So said he in prayer, and Pallas Athena heard him but did not yet appear to him in person, for she revered
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:6.330
§ 6.330 her father's brother, who was furiously incensed at godlike Odysseus until he reached his own land.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.1
§ 7.1 BOOK 7 So, while long-suffering divine Odysseus prayed there, the mules' strength carried the girl toward the city. When she arrived at the renowned home of her father she stood in the gateway and her brothers took places
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.5
§ 7.5 around her, like immortals. They freed the mules from under the wagon and carried the clothing inside. She went into her own chamber. An old Apeirean woman, the chambermaid Eurymedusa, lit a fire for her. Double-oared ships had brought her from Apeire once upon a time.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.10
§ 7.10 They had chosen her as a prize for Alcinous, because he ruled all Phaeacians, and the district listened to him like a god. This one had nursed white-armed Nausicaa in the palace. This one lit up the fire for her and prepared her dinner inside. Just then Odysseus got up to go to the city. Athena poured
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.15
§ 7.15 much mist about him, with dear thoughts for Odysseus, lest any great-hearted Phaeacian, meeting him, might taunt him with words and ask him who he was. But when he was about to enter the fair city, bright-eyed goddess Athena met him
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.20
§ 7.20 in the guise of a young maiden woman holding a pitcher. She stood in front of him, and divine Odysseus asked her: “Child, won't you guide me to the house of the man Alcinous, who rules among these people? For I've come here a much-suffering stranger,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.25
§ 7.25 from afar, from a distant country. I therefore know none of the people who inhabit this city and farmland. Bright-eyed goddess Athena said back to him: “So then, father stranger, the house you bid me I'll show you, since he lives close by my noble father.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.30
§ 7.30 But go in total silence, and I'll lead the way, and neither look at nor question any person, for they do not gladly suffer stranger men nor hospitably welcome one who comes from elsewhere. With confidence in their swift fleet ships,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.35
§ 7.35 they traverse the great gulf, since the earth-shaker gave it to them. Their ships are fleet as feather or thought. So saying, Pallas Athena led quickly, and he followed in the footsteps of the goddess. The ship-famed Phaeacians did not notice him
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.40
§ 7.40 going among them through their city, for fair-haired Athena, dread goddess, did not allow it, so she poured on him a marvelous mist, with dear thoughts in her heart. Odysseus marveled at the trim ships and the harbors, the assembly places of the heroes themselves, and the long
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.45
§ 7.45 lofty walls, joined by palisades, a wonder to behold. But when he reached the house of the renowned king, bright-eyed Athena was the first of them to speak: “This, father stranger, is the house you bid me show you. You'll find Zeus -nurtured kings there
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.50
§ 7.50 dining at dinner. Go in, and don't be at all frightened at heart, for the undaunted man turns out to be better in all actions, even if he comes from somewhere else. First, go find the mistress in the palace. Arete is the name she's named by, and she's from the same
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.55
§ 7.55 ancestors who gave birth to king Alcinous. First earth-shaker Poseidon and Periboea, the best looking of women, gave birth to Nausithous. She was the youngest daughter of great-hearted Eurymedon, who once was king over the insolent Giants.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.60
§ 7.60 Though he lost his reckless people and perished himself, Poseidon mixed with her, and she bore a son, great-hearted Nausithous, who ruled over the Phaeacians. Nausithous fathered Rhexenor and Alcinous. Silverbow Apollo struck him down in his hall, newly married
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.65
§ 7.65 and without a son, and he left only one child, Arete, whom Alcinous made his wife. And he valued her as no other woman on earth is valued, of all who now keep house under husbands. So she has been, and still is, honored above them,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.70
§ 7.70 in the heart of her dear children, Alcinous himself, and her people, who view her as a goddess and welcome her with speeches when she walks through the city. For she herself in no way lacks good sense, and she dissolves disputes for those, even men, to whom she's well disposed.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.75
§ 7.75 For if she, in her heart, thinks friendly thoughts for you, then there's hope for you, that you'll see your loved ones and reach your high-roofed house and fatherland.” So saying, bright-eyed Athena departed over the barren sea. She left lovely Scheria,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.80
§ 7.80 reached Marathon and broad-streeted Athens, and entered the strongly-built house of Erechtheus. But Odysseus went toward the splendid house of Alcinous. His heart pondered much as he stood there before reaching the bronze threshold, for there was a radiance, as of the sun or moon,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.85
§ 7.85 throughout great-hearted Alcinous' high-roofed house. For walls of bronze had been driven here and there, from the threshold to the inner room, with a cyan coping about it. Golden doors kept the strongly-built house closed. Silver doorposts stood on the bronze threshold,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.90
§ 7.90 a silver lintel upon them, and the door handle was of gold. There were dogs of gold and silver on each side, that Hephaestus had fashioned with expert ingenuity to guard the house of great-hearted Alcinous, that were ageless and immortal all their days.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.95
§ 7.95 Inside, chairs were pressed against the wall, here and there, from the threshold straight through to the inner room. Delicate, well-woven cloths, works of women, had been thrown upon them. Phaeacian leaders sat there eating and drinking, for they had endless abundance.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.100
§ 7.100 Boys of gold stood on well-shaped pedestals, holding burning torches in their hands, lighting nights throughout the house for diners. Throughout the house he had fifty slave women, some at the mill, who grind grain of apple color,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.105
§ 7.105 others, who weave webs and spin yarn, sitting, like leaves of a tall poplar, as liquid olive oil trickles from the close-woven linen. Just as Phaeacians are skilled beyond all men in driving a swift ship on the sea, so are their women
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.110
§ 7.110 in weaving at the loom, for Athena granted them, beyond others, skill in making gorgeous works and good dispositions. Outside the courtyard near the doors is a large orchard, four measures big, and a wall is driven round it on both sides. Trees grow there, tall and luxuriant,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.115
§ 7.115 splendid-fruited pear, pomegranate, and apple, sweet fig, and luxuriant olive. Their fruit never perishes or fails winter or summer, all through the year, but always and ever West Wind, blowing, grows some and ripens others.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.120
§ 7.120 Pear ripens on pear, apple on apple, grape cluster on grape cluster, fig upon fig. His vineyard, full of fruit, takes root there, part of it, a sunny spot in a level place, dries in the sun, in another part, they gather some
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.125
§ 7.125 while stomping others. Unripe grapes are at the front, some shedding blossoms, others darkening. There, beside the lowest row, trim beds of herbs of all kinds grow and are perennially green. In it are two springs. One spreads through the whole garden,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.130
§ 7.130 and, on the other side, one flows under the courtyard threshold toward the lofty house, from which cityfolk draw water. Such were the splendid gifts of gods in the palace of Alcinous. Long-suffering divine Odysseus stood there gazing, then after he'd gazed at it all with his heart,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.135
§ 7.135 he quickly went over the threshold and into the house. He found the Phaeacian chiefs and commanders pouring libations from goblets to sharp-sighted Argeiphontes to whom they used to pour last, when their minds were on bed. Long-suffering divine Odysseus went through the house,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.140
§ 7.140 in the thick haze that Athena had poured around him, until he reached king Alcinous and Arete. Odysseus threw his hands around Arete's knees, and right then the marvelous haze shed from him, and throughout the house they became silent when they saw the man,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.145
§ 7.145 and marveled as they watched him. Then Odysseus entreated: “ Arete, daughter of godlike Rhexenor, I've suffered much and come upon my knees to you, your husband, and these diners'may the gods grant them prosperity in life, and may each pass to his children
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.150
§ 7.150 the property in his palace and whatever honor the people have given. Urge for me an escort, so I can reach my fatherland faster, since, a long time away from loved ones, I suffer misery.” So saying, he sat down at the hearth, in the dust beside the fire. All then became silent in silence.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.155
§ 7.155 At last, an old man spoke, the hero Echeneus, who was by far the elder of Phaeacian men and excelled in speaking, knowing things many and old. With good intent, he spoke and said to them: “ Alcinous, this is neither fine nor fitting,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.160
§ 7.160 that a stranger sit at the hearth, on the ground, in the dust. These here await in eager expectation your command. But come, get the stranger to stand and have him sit upon a seat studded with silver, then bid the heralds mix the wine with water, so we can make libation to Zeus,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.165
§ 7.165 the thunderbolt hurler, whose favor goes with venerable supplicants. Let the housekeeper give the stranger dinner from what there is inside.” When the sacred soul of Alcinous heard this, he took skilled Odysseus, the wily conniver, by the hand, lifted him from the hearth, and sat him on a shiny seat,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.170
§ 7.170 getting his son, kindly Laodamas, to stand, who was sitting close to him and loved him the most. A handmaid brought water for washing in a fine golden pitcher and poured it above a silver basin so he could wash, then pulled a polished table beside him.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.175
§ 7.175 A venerable housekeeper brought bread and set it before him placing many foods on it, pleasing him from her stores. Long-suffering divine Odysseus ate and drank, and good soul Alcinous then said to a herald: “ Pontonous, once you've mixed it in the wine bowl, pass the wine out
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.180
§ 7.180 to all throughout the hall, so we can make libation to Zeus, the thunderbolt hurler, whose favor goes with venerable supplicants.” So said he, and Pontonous mixed the honey-hearted wine, and passed it out to all, after pouring a few drops in their goblets. Then after they'd made libation and drunk as much as hearts desired,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.185
§ 7.185 Alcinous spoke and said among them: “Hear me, Phaeacian leaders and commanders, while I say what the heart in my chest commands me. Now that you've dined, go home to rest, and in the morning we'll call more elders here,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.190
§ 7.190 receive the stranger as a guest in the palace, make fine sacrifices to the gods, and then deliberate about an escort, so the stranger, without distress and toil, may quickly, with our escort, reach his fatherland rejoicing, even if he's from very far away,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.195
§ 7.195 and not suffer woe or evil in the meantime before he sets foot on his land. There then he'll suffer whatever Fate and the heavy Spinners spun for him with thread at his birth, when his mother bore him. But if he's some immortal come down from heaven,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.200
§ 7.200 then this is something different that the gods are contriving, for always before, the gods appeared clearly to us, when we make renowned hecatombs, and they dine beside us and sit right where we do. If some lone traveler meets one on his way,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.205
§ 7.205 they do not conceal at all, since we are close to them, just as the Cyclopes and the savage tribes of Giants.” Adroit Odysseus said to him in reply: “ Alcinous, let something else concern your mind, for I'm not like immortals, who hold wide heaven,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.210
§ 7.210 in either form or figure, but like mortal mortals. Whatever men you know that most bear a burden of woe, I'd equal them in sorrow, Yes, I could describe still more evils that I suffered, each and every one, by the will of the gods.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.215
§ 7.215 But let me have dinner, though I'm in distress, for nothing else is more like a dog than the hateful belly, that commands it be remembered, of necessity, even by one sorely afflicted and with sorrow in his heart, just as I have sorrow in my heart, that always and ever
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.220
§ 7.220 bids me eat and drink, makes me forget all I've suffered, and demands it be stuffed full. When dawn appears, take action to land me, this wretched one, in my fatherland, though I've suffered much. And may life leave me
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.225
§ 7.225 when I see my property, my slaves, and my great high-roofed house.” So said he, and all concurred and commanded they convoy the stranger since he'd spoken properly. Then after they'd made libation and drunk as much as hearts desired, they each went home to rest,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.230
§ 7.230 But divine Odysseus remained in the hall, and Arete and godlike Alcinous sat beside him as handmaids cleared away the dinner dishes. White-armed Arete was the first of them to speak, for she recognized the cloak and tunic, when she saw
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.235
§ 7.235 the fine clothing she'd made with her handmaid women, and, voicing winged words, she said to him: “Stranger, first, I'll ask you this myself: Who and from where are you? Who gave you this clothing? Didn't you say you got here roving on the sea?”
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.240
§ 7.240 Adroit Odysseus said to her in reply: “It's hard, my queen, to recount at length my troubles, since the heavenly gods have given me many. But I'll tell you this, because you ask and question me. An island, Ogygia, lies far off on the sea.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.245
§ 7.245 Atlas' daughter lives there, crafty fair-haired Calypso, a dread goddess. No one mixes with her, neither gods nor mortal men. But a divine one led this wretched one, me, to her hearth alone, after Zeus impeded and split my swift ship
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.250
§ 7.250 with white lightning in the midst of the wine-dark sea. All the rest of my good comrades perished there, but in my arms I grabbed the double-curved ship's keel and for nine days I was carried. On the tenth dark night the gods brought me to the island of Ogygia. There lives
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.255
§ 7.255 fair-haired Calypso, a dread goddess, who kindly took and loved and cared for me and promised to make me immortal and ageless all my days, but never persuaded the heart in my chest. I stayed in place there seven years, and ever wet
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.260
§ 7.260 with tears the immortal clothes Calypso gave me. But when at last the eighth year, in its turning, came to me, right then at last she ordered and urged me go, by order of Zeus or because her mind had changed. She sent me off on a tightly corded raft and gave me many things,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.265
§ 7.265 food, sweet wine, and immortal clothes to wear, and sent forth a fair wind, warm and gentle. Seventeen days I sailed, sailing on the sea, and on the eighteenth, the shadowy mountains of your land appeared, and my dear heart rejoiced,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.270
§ 7.270 ill-fated me, for I would still meet with much hardship that earthshaker Poseidon sent against me, who roused the winds against me, hindered my progress, and raised the sea unspeakably. And no wave let me be carried on my raft, as I groaned incessantly.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.275
§ 7.275 Then the storm scattered it to bits, but I swam and crossed that gulf, until wind and water bore and brought me to your land. The waves would have overcome me getting out on dry land there, and thrown me against great rocks in a gruesome place,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.280
§ 7.280 but I swam back in retreat until I came to a river, where the place seemed best, free of rocks, and there was shelter from the wind. I got out and fell, rallying my spirit, and ambrosial night came on. I went off a distance from the Zeus -fallen river
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.285
§ 7.285 and went to sleep in the bushes, drawing leaves about me, and god poured down boundless sleep. There in the leaves, dear heart heavy, I slept all night, even to dawn and midday, and the sun declined, and sweet sleep relaxed its hold on me.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.290
§ 7.290 I noticed your daughter's handmaids playing on the shore, and she was like the goddesses among them. I supplicated her. She in no way lacked good sense, as one wouldn't expect of a young one just met to act, for young ones ever act unthoughtfully.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.295
§ 7.295 She gave me sparkling wine and food aplenty, had me bathe in the river, and gave these clothes to me. Despite my grief, what I've told you is the truth.” Alcinous in turn replied to him and said: “Stranger, surely my daughter did not observe proprieties,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.300
§ 7.300 because she didn't bring you with her handmaid women to our house, yet you came first as a supplicant to her.” Adroit Odysseus said to him in reply: “Don't reproach your noble daughter on account of me, for she bid me follow with her handmaids,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.305
§ 7.305 but I was ashamed and fearful, and did not want to, lest somehow your heart become indignant at the sight, for we are quick to anger, we tribes of humankind upon the earth.” Alcinous in turn replied to him and said: “Stranger, the dear heart in my chest is not the sort
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.310
§ 7.310 that angers without reason. Everything is better in due measure. By father Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, would that such a one as you are, thinking even as I do, have my daughter and remain here to be called my son-in-law. I'd give you property
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.315
§ 7.315 if you were willing to stay. But let no Phaeacian detain you against your will. Let that not be acceptable to father Zeus! So you may well know it, I decree this time for your escort, and that time is tomorrow. Then, tamed by sleep, you'll rest as they drive the calm, until you reach
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.320
§ 7.320 your home and fatherland, or anywhere that's dear to you, even if it's much, much farther away than Euboia, which those of our people who saw it, when they took blond Rhadamanthus to see Tityus, son of Gaea, say is farthest off.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.325
§ 7.325 They went there, and made it without effort, and made it back home that very day. You too will see, for yourself and in your mind, how much my ships are best and with the oar my boys toss up the sea” So said he, and long-suffering divine Odysseus rejoiced,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.330
§ 7.330 then spoke a word, called out a name, and said in prayer: “Father Zeus, if only Alcinous would do everything he said! His fame, on the grain-giving earth, would be inextinguishable, and I would reach my fatherland!” So as they spoke such things to each other,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.335
§ 7.335 white-armed Arete bid her handmaids set beds beneath the portico, throw fine purple cloths upon them, spread blankets on top of them, and put woolen cloaks on top to wrap in. They came out of the hall holding torches in their hands,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.340
§ 7.340 then after they'd hurriedly spread the strongly-built bed, they stood next to Odysseus and roused him with these words: “Get up, stranger, and go rest. The bed's been made for you!” So said they, and going to sleep seemed welcome to him. So, while long-suffering divine Odysseus slept there
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:7.345
§ 7.345 beneath the echoing portico in a perforated bed, Alcinous lay in an inner room of the lofty house, and his mistress wife shared bed and bedding beside him.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.1
§ 8.1 BOOK 8 When early-born rose-fingered Dawn appeared, Alcinous' sacred soul arose from bed, and Zeus -born city-sacking Odysseus got up. Then Alcinous' sacred soul guided them
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.5
§ 8.5 to the Phaeacian assembly, built by them beside the ships. When they got there they sat down close together on polished stones. Pallas Athena went in search throughout the city, in the guise of skilled Alcinous' herald, with a scheme for the return home of great-hearted Odysseus,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.10
§ 8.10 and as she stood beside each person, she said to him: “Come on, Phaeacian chiefs and commanders, go to the assembly, to find out about the stranger, who recently reached the house of skilled Alcinous after wandering the sea, one like immortals in form!”
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.15
§ 8.15 So saying, she spurred on each one's heart and soul. Quickly the seats and assembly were filled with mortals come together, and many gazed in wonder at the sight of Laertes' skilled son, upon whose head and shoulders Athena poured abundant grace.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.20
§ 8.20 And she made him seem taller and thicker, so he'd be, to all Phaeacians, beloved, awe-inspiring, and worthy of honor, and succeed in the many games with which the Phaeacians would test Odysseus. Then after they assembled and were together,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.25
§ 8.25 Alcinous spoke and said among them: “Hear me, Phaeacian leaders and commanders, while I say what the heart in my chest commands me. This stranger, I know not who he is, has reached my house a wanderer from either eastern or western men.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.30
§ 8.30 He urges a convoy and begs it be certain. Let us, as ever before, recommend a convoy, for no one else who's reached my house has stayed here long in sorrow because of a convoy. But come, let's haul a black ship into the divine sea
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.35
§ 8.35 for it's first voyage, and let fifty-two young men be selected, who've been the best before throughout the kingdom. When you've all tied your oars well to the oarlocks, come ashore. Then afterward, come to my house and have a quick dinner, and I will provide well for all.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.40
§ 8.40 I charge the young men with this, but you other sceptered kings, come to my beautiful home so we can welcome the stranger in my palace. Let no one decline. Summon the divine singer Demodocus, for god has granted him surpassing power to entertain
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.45
§ 8.45 in song, in whatever way his heart spurs him to sing. So saying, he led, and the sceptered ones followed with him, while a herald went for the divine singer. Fifty-two young men were chosen and went as he'd ordered, to the shore of the barren sea.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.50
§ 8.50 Then after they'd gone down to the ship and sea, they hauled the black ship toward the sea's depths, put mast and sails on the black ship, positioned oars in leather oar straps, all in good order, and hoisted the white sail.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.55
§ 8.55 They anchored her offshore in the south. Then afterwards they made their way to the great home of skilled Alcinous. The porticos, courtyards, and rooms were full of men gathering. Many, young and old, were there. Alcinous sacrificed for them twelve sheep,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.60
§ 8.60 eight white-toothed pigs, and two shambling oxen. They skinned and prepared them, and made a lovely dinner. The herald came near, leading the trusty singer, whom the muse loved exceedingly but gave both good and bad. She'd deprived him of his eyes, but given him sweet song.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.65
§ 8.65 Pontonous placed a silver-studded chair for him in the midst of the diners, and propped it against a tall pillar. A herald hung a clear-toned lyre on a peg above his head and showed him how to take it with his hands. He placed a basket and fine table beside him,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.70
§ 8.70 and a goblet of wine to drink when his heart bid him. They threw their hands on the good things laid ready before them. Then after they'd dispatched desire for food and drink, the muse inspired the singer to sing the famous deeds of men, from a song whose fame had then reached wide heaven,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.75
§ 8.75 the quarrel of Odysseus and Peleides Achilles, how they'd once argued, at a bountiful feast for the gods, with vehement words, and lord of men Agamemnon in his mind was glad that the best of the Achaeans were arguing, for Phoebus Apollo had told him so in prophecy
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.80
§ 8.80 in sacred Pytho, when he'd stepped over the stone threshold to ask the oracle. For at that time the start of misery was rolling, toward Danaans and Trojans, on account of great Zeus' will. This the far-famed singer sang, but Odysseus grasped the great purple cloak with his well-knit hands,
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0012.tlg002:8.85
§ 8.85 pulled it over his head, and hid his handsome face, for he was ashamed to shed tears from under his eyebrows in front of the Phaeacians. Indeed, each time the divine singer stopped singing, Odysseus took the cloak from his head, wiped his tears, grasped a goblet with two handles, and made libation to the gods.

Via ToposText (topostext.org), a project of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation created by Brady Kiesling. Translated by James E. Huddleston (1952-2007). Composed ca. 700 BCE. Licence: under copyright, reusable for non-commercial purposes. Source.