Homer, Odyssey

§ 8.90 But each time he began again, and the best of the Phaeacians spurred him on to sing since they enjoyed his stories, Odysseus immediately covered his head and cried. He went unnoticed there by all the others, shedding tears, and Alcinous alone noticed him and understood.

§ 8.95 He sat near him and he heard him moaning deeply, then said at once to the oar-loving Phaeacians: “Hear me, Phaeacian leaders and commanders, we've already satisfied our hearts with an equal meal and the lyre that goes with a bounteous feast.

§ 8.100 Let's go out now and make a try at all the games, so the stranger can tell his loved ones, on his return home, how much we surpass others in boxing, wrestling, jumping, and running. So saying, he led, and they followed with him.

§ 8.105 A herald hung Demodocus' clear-toned lyre on a peg, then took his hand and led him from the hall. He started him on the same way as the others, the best of the Phaeacians, went to watch the games. They made their way to the assembly, as a big throng followed,

§ 8.110 countless, and many good young men stood up. Acroneos arose, and also Ocyalus and Elatreus, Nauteus and Prymneus, Anchialus and Eretmeus, Ponteus and Proireus, Anabesineos and Thoon, and Amphialus, son of Polyneus Tectonides.

§ 8.115 Up also, one equal to the bane of mortals Ares, Euryalus Naubolides, who was best in form and figure of all Phaeacians after noble Laodamas. Three sons of noble Alcinous stood up, Laodamas, Halius, and godlike Clytoneus,

§ 8.120 and they indeed were first to make a try at running. The course stretched for them from the starting line, and all flew quickly together, raising dust, over the plain. Noble Clytoneus was by far the best of them in running, and, by as far as the range of mules in a fallow field,

§ 8.125 he outran them and reached the people, and they were left behind. Then they made a try at painful wrestling, in which Euryalus once more vanquished all the best. Amphialis was best of all in jumping. Elatreus was again far strongest of all with the discus;

§ 8.130 Laodamas, good son of Alcinous, again in boxing. Then after all had heartily enjoyed the games, Alcinous' son Laodamas said to them: “Here, friends, let's ask the stranger if he has learned and knows some games. In physique he's not that bad,

§ 8.135 in thighs, in calves, and, up top, in both arms, sturdy neck, and greatness of strength. Nor does he lack any youthful vigor, though he's been broken down by many evils. For I say that nothing else confounds a man worse than the sea, even if he's very strong.”

§ 8.140 Euryalus in turn replied to him and said: “ Laodamas, you've said this very duly. Now go yourself, declare your will, and challenge him.” Then after he heard this, the good son of Alcinous went and stood in their midst and said to Odysseus:

§ 8.145 “Come here, father stranger, you too try the games, if somewhere you learned some, since it's fitting you know games, for, while he's alive, a man's fame is no greater than what he does with his own hands and feet. But come, make a try, and scatter troubles from your heart.

§ 8.150 Your trip still won't be long far off, for your ship has already been launched and your comrades are ready.” Adroit Odysseus said to him in reply: “ Laodamas, why bid me do these things and mock me? Troubles are much more on my mind than games,

§ 8.155 I, who suffered very much and labored much before, and now sit in your assembly, in need of return home, begging all the kingdom and the king.” Euryalus replied back and taunted him to his face: “No, stranger, I don't fancy you a man experienced

§ 8.160 in games, of the many kinds held among men, but as one who is accustomed to a ship with many oarlocks, a captain of sailors who are traders, you're mindful of cargo and an overseer of freight and greedy gains, but you don't seem like an athlete.”

§ 8.165 Then adroit Odysseus said to him with a scowl: “You spoke unwisely, stranger. You seem a reckless man. It's so, the gods do not give all men gracious things, neither physique nor mind nor eloquence. For though a man may be inferior in appearance,

§ 8.170 but a god crowns his form with words, then those who see him enjoy it, as he speaks without faltering, with winning modesty, and stands out among those gathered, and, when he goes through town, they view him as a god, while another may be like immortals in appearance,

§ 8.175 but grace is not placed as a crown around his words, so also your appearance is outstanding, and not even a god would make it otherwise, yet you're misshapen in your mind. You've aroused the heart within my dear chest by speaking inappropriately. I'm not ignorant of games

§ 8.180 as you purport, on the contrary, I think I used to be among the first, as long as I had trust in youthful vigor and my hands. But now I'm held by evil and by sorrow, for I've endured a lot, cutting through men's wars and painful waves. But even so, though I've suffered many evils, I'll try the games,

§ 8.185 for your word bites at my heart and you've incited me by speaking.” He spoke, and, leaping up with cloak still on, grabbed a discus, a bigger, massive one, thicker, not by a little, than the one with which Phaeacians competed with each other. Then he whirled and threw it from his well-knit hand,

§ 8.190 and the stone whizzed, and they ducked to the ground, the long-oared Phaeacians, ship-famed men, beneath the stone's flight. It overflew the marks of all, running swiftly from his hand. Disguised as a man, Athena placed a marker, called out his name, and said:

§ 8.195 “Even a blind man, stranger, could make out this mark by groping for it, since it's not at all mixed in the group, but is the first by far. Take heart, at least for this game. None of the Phaeacians will reach or throw beyond it.” So said she, and long-suffering divine Odysseus rejoiced,

§ 8.200 glad to find a kind comrade in the crowd, and then, feeling lighter, he said to the Phaeacians: “Reach that one now, young men, and I think I'll throw another one soon after, just as far or even farther! Any of you others, whose heart and soul commands,

§ 8.205 come now and make a try, since you've much angered me, in boxing or wrestling or running, since I begrudge nothing, of all Phaeacians, except, of course, Laodamas himself, for he's my host. Who would battle one who welcomes him? That man lacks sense and is of no account

§ 8.210 who offers rivalry in games to his host in a foreign kingdom and cuts off all that's his. I neither spurn nor slight any of the rest, I want instead to get to know, and test him, face to face. For I'm not bad at all, in all the games among men.

§ 8.215 I know well how to handle a finely-polished bow, and I'd be first to shoot an arrow and strike a man in a throng of hostile men, even if very many comrades stood close by and shot the bow at men. Philoctetes alone surpassed me with the bow,

§ 8.220 in the Trojan kingdom, when Achaeans shot the bow, and I say I'm much farther ahead of all other mortals who now live on the earth and eat bread. I wouldn't want to compete with men of times before, with neither Hercules nor Eurytus the Oechalean,

§ 8.225 who used to compete in archery even with immortals. Eurytus died quite suddenly for it and didn't come to old age in his palace, for Apollo, in rage, killed him because he'd challenged him in archery. I throw a spear as far as any other does an arrow.

§ 8.230 Only in running do I fear some Phaeacian might surpass me, for I was tamed, in a way that weakened me too much, on the many waves, since aboard ship there was no constant care, and due to that my dear legs have collapsed.” So said he, and all became silent in silence.

§ 8.235 Alcinous alone said to him in answer: “Stranger, since you say these things not gracelessly among us, but want to show your prowess, which attends you, angered that this man stood at your side and mocked you in the assembly, as no mortal would slur your prowess

§ 8.240 who knew in his mind how to speak soundly, come now, heed my words, so you may also tell another hero, when in your palace you dine beside your wife and children and remember our prowess, what kind of works

§ 8.245 Zeus has ordained for us straight from our fathers' time. For we're not noble boxers or wrestlers, but we run swiftly with our feet and are the best with ships, and ever dear to us are dinner, the cythara, and dances, changing clothing, hot baths, and beds.

§ 8.250 But come, you who are the best Phaeacian dancers, dance, so the stranger can tell his loved ones, on his return home, how much we surpass others in sailing, singing, dancing, and running. Let someone go at once and bring Demodocus

§ 8.255 his clear-toned lyre that lies somewhere in our house.” So said godlike Alcinous, and a herald rose to bring the hollow lyre from the home of the king. All nine stewards, chosen by the public, who used to carefully arrange the details for assemblies, stood up,

§ 8.260 spread out the fine assembly and smoothed a place for dancing. A herald came near and brought the clear-toned lyre to Demodocus, who then went to their midst. Boys in early youth stood around him, ones experienced in dancing, and beat the divine dance place with their feet. Then Odysseus

§ 8.265 beheld the twinkling of their feet and marveled in his heart. Then Demodocus played the lyre and began to sing beautifully about the love of Ares and fair-crowned Aphrodite, how in stealth they mixed the first time in the home of Hephaestus. Ares gave much to her and defiled the bed

§ 8.270 and bedding of lord Hephaestus, to whom a messenger soon came, Helios, who'd noticed them mingling in love. Hephaestus heard the story, so painful to his heart, then made his way to the forge, brooding evil in his mind, placed a great anvil on the anvil block, and hammered bonds,

§ 8.275 unbreakable, indissoluble, so they'd stay fast in place. Then after he fashioned the snare, enraged at Ares, he made his way to the chamber where his dear bed lay, and spread the bindings about the bedposts in a circle all around. Many hung down from the ceiling, too,

§ 8.280 as fine as spider webs, that not even a blessed god could see, for with exceeding cunning they'd been made. Then after he'd spread the snare all around the bed, he left to go to Lemnos, the well-built citadel which is to him by far the most beloved of all lands.

§ 8.285 But gold-reined Ares did not keep a blind man's watch, so he saw the famed artisan Hephaestus as he went away. He made his way to the house of far-famed Hephaestus, craving faired-crowned Cytherea's love. She'd just come from the side of mighty Cronion, her father,

§ 8.290 and was sitting down as Ares came into the house. He put his hand in hers, called out her name, and said: “Come here, my dear, to bed. Let's lie down and take pleasure, for Hephaestus is no longer home, but is already gone, to Lemnos, I believe, to see the savage-speaking Sintians.”

§ 8.295 So said he, and going to bed seemed welcome to her. The two climbed into bed and fell asleep. About them flowed the cunningly contrived bonds of ingenious Hephaestus, and there was no way to either move or lift their limbs. Right then they realized there would be no escape.

§ 8.300 Then the far-famed twice-lamed one came near them, having turned back before he reached the land of Lemnos, for Helios was keeping lookout for him and sent word. He made his way home, his dear heart grieving, stood in the doorway, and fierce anger seized him.

§ 8.305 He cried out terribly and made himself heard by all the gods: “Father Zeus, and the rest of you blessed gods who are forever, come here, to see ludicrous and intolerable things, how Zeus' daughter Aphrodite always dishonors me, because I'm lame, and loves annihilating Ares,

§ 8.310 because he's handsome and sound-footed but I myself was born infirm. But I have no one else to blame but my two parents, whom I wish had never had me. But you'll see for yourselves, how these two climbed into my bed and went to sleep in love, and I'm in grief at the sight.

§ 8.315 I don't expect they'll lie this way a moment longer, though very much in love. Both soon won't want to sleep, but the bonds and snare will restrain them until her father pays back to me fully the whole bride price, all I put in his palm for his dog -eyed girl,

§ 8.320 since he has a beautiful daughter, but she has no self-restraint.” So said he, and the gods gathered at the bronze-floored house. Earth-holder Poseidon came. Helper Hermes came. Far-worker lord Apollo came. The female goddesses each stayed home out of shame.

§ 8.325 The gods, givers of good things, stood in the doorway. Uncontrollable laughter broke out among the blessed gods as they looked at the handiwork of ingenious Hephaestus. In this way, glancing at another near him, one would say: “Bad deeds do not prosper. The slow, indeed, overtakes the swift,

§ 8.330 as even now Hephaestus, slow as he is, lame as he is, by craft has seized Ares, though he's the swiftest of the gods who hold Olympus, so Ares owes the fine for adultery.” So they said such things to one another, then the son of Zeus lord Apollo said to Hermes:

§ 8.335 “ Hermes, son of Zeus, runner, giver of good things, would you really be willing, crushed in mighty bonds, to sleep in bed beside golden Aphrodite?” Then the runner Argeiphontes answered him: “If only this would happen, far-shooter lord Apollo!

§ 8.340 Three times as many inextricable bonds could be about me, and all you gods and goddesses could watch, but I'd sleep beside golden Aphrodite!” So said he, and laughter broke out among the gods immortal. But laughter did not hold Poseidon, who ever implored

§ 8.345 the famed worker Hephaestus to free Ares. And, voicing winged words, he said to him: “Free him. I promise you he'll pay as you demand, all that's just among the gods immortal.” The far-famed twice-lamed one said back to him:

§ 8.350 “Earth-holder Poseidon, don't bid me do this. The guarantees of wretches are wretched guarantees. How would I bind you among the gods immortal if Ares leaves and avoids his bond and obligation?” Earth-shaker Poseidon said back to him:

§ 8.355 “ Hephaestus, if Ares does avoid his obligation and leaves in flight, I myself will pay you.” Then the far-famed twice-lamed one answered him: “It's not possible or proper that your word be denied.” So saying, good soul Hephaestus released the bonds.

§ 8.360 After he'd freed them from bondage, mighty as it was, the two sprang up at once, and Ares made his way to Thrace while smile-loving Aphrodite went to Cyprus, to Paphos, where she had an estate and fragrant altar. There the Graces bathed and anointed her with immortal

§ 8.365 olive oil, such as bedecks the gods who are forever, and put lovely raiment round her, a wonder to behold. This the far-famed singer sang, and Odysseus in his mind enjoyed listening, as did the others, the long-oared Phaeacians, ship-famed men.

§ 8.370 Alcinous bid Halius and Laodamas to dance by themselves, since no one rivaled them. They then picked up a beautiful ball in their hands, a glittering one that skilled Polybus had made them, which one of them, bending backwards, would throw toward

§ 8.375 the shadowy clouds, and the other, rising high above the ground, would catch with ease before his feet reached the ground. Then after they'd tried it with the ball straight upward, they danced upon the ground that feeds many, changing places continually, as other boys, standing throughout

§ 8.380 the assembly, beat time and a loud din gradually arose. Right then divine Odysseus said to Alcinous: “Your majesty Alcinous, most exalted of all men, You promised your dancers are the best, and your promise has been kept. Wonder holds me as I watch them.”

§ 8.385 So said he, and Alcinous' sacred soul rejoiced, and he said at once to the oar-loving Phaeacians: “Hear me, Phaeacian leaders and commanders, the stranger seems quite astute to me. But come, let's give him a guest gift, as is fitting.

§ 8.390 For throughout the kingdom twelve preeminent kings act as rulers, and I myself am the thirteenth. Each of you bring for him a well-washed cloak and tunic and a talent of precious gold. Let's bring it all together soon, so he can hold it

§ 8.395 in his hands and go to dinner glad at heart. But let Euryalos make amends to him with words and with a gift, since he spoke in no way properly.” So said he, and all concurred and commanded, and each dispatched a herald to bring gifts.

§ 8.400 Euryalus in turn replied to him and said: “Your majesty Alcinous, most exalted of all men, I'll make amends to the stranger, accordingly, as you bid. I'll give him this sword, all bronze, a silver hilt upon it, and a sheath of just-sawed ivory

§ 8.405 that wraps tightly around it. It'll be worth a lot to him.” So saying, he placed the silver-studded sword in his hands, and, voicing winged words, said to him: “Farewell, father stranger. If a dreadful word's been said in any way, may storm winds snatch it up at once and carry it away.

§ 8.410 And may the gods grant to you that you see your wife and reach your fatherland, since, long away from loved ones, you suffer misery.” Adroit Odysseus said to him in reply: “Fine farewell to you, too, friend. May the gods grant you prosperity and may you hereafter never miss this sword,

§ 8.415 that you gave me as you made amends with words.” He spoke, then slung the silver-studded sword around his shoulder. The sun went down, the splendid gifts for him were there, and Alcinous' illustrious heralds carried them in. Then the sons of noble Alcinous took the gorgeous gifts

§ 8.420 and placed them beside their venerable mother. Then Alcinous' sacred soul guided them, and they sat on high chairs when they got there. Right then good soul Alcinous said to Arete: Here, woman, bring an ornamented chest, your best one,

§ 8.425 and put in yourself a well-washed cloak and tunic. Heat a copper cauldron for him on the fire, and heat water so he can bathe, and see, all laid out well, the gifts the noble Phaeacians have brought here, and enjoy himself at dinner listening to the hymn of song.

§ 8.430 And I myself will present him this gorgeous golden goblet of mine, so he'll remember me each day, when he makes libation in his hall to Zeus and other gods. So said he, and Arete told her handmaids to stand a large tripod on the fire as soon as possible.

§ 8.435 They stood a tripod for filling the bath on the burning fire, poured water in it, and took and lit wood beneath it. Fire lapped around the tripod's belly and the water heated. Meanwhile Arete brought a gorgeous chest from her bedroom for the stranger and put the beautiful presents in it,

§ 8.440 the gold and clothing that the Phaeacians gave him, then she herself put a cloak and fine tunic in it, and, voicing winged, words said to him: “See to the lid yourself, and quickly tie a knot on it, lest someone on your journey do it harm, when later

§ 8.445 you sleep sweet sleep on your way in the black ship.” Then after long-suffering divine Odysseus heard this, he at once fit on the lid and quickly tied a knot, an intricate one lady Circe had once had his mind learn. Straightway a housekeeper ordered him to get into the tub

§ 8.450 and bathe. With gladness in his heart, he looked at the hot bath water, since he hadn't been accustomed to any care, since he left the home of fair-haired Calypso and had had constant care all that time as a god. After the slaves bathed and anointed him with olive oil,

§ 8.455 they threw a tunic and beautiful cloak about him, and he got out of the tub and went among the men, the wine-drinkers. Nausicaa, with beauty from the gods, stood beside a column of the densely-made roof, marveled at Odysseus as she looked in his eyes,

§ 8.460 and, voicing winged words, said to him: “Farewell, stranger. Sometime, when you're in your fatherland, remember me, that you owe to me first the price for your life.” Adroit Odysseus said to her in reply: “ Nausicaa, great-hearted Alcinous' daughter,

§ 8.465 Would Hera's loud-thundering husband Zeus now make it so, that I go home and see homecoming day, I'd pray to you then, even there, as to a goddess, always, every day, for you, my girl, have saved me!” He spoke and sat on a chair beside king Alcinous.

§ 8.470 They were already mixing wine with water and serving portions. A herald came near, leading the trusty singer, Demodocus, one honored by the people. He sat him in the midst of the diners, and propped him against a tall pillar. By then adroit Odysseus had spoken to a herald,

§ 8.475 and cut a slice from the chine of a white-toothed pig, where more was left and had thick fat around it. “Herald, take and give this meat to Demodocus, so he may eat, and, I, despite my grief, may pay him homage. For among all men upon the earth, singers

§ 8.480 deserve respect and honor, because the Muse has taught them melodies and loves the singers' tribe.” So said he, and a herald took and put it in the hands of hero Demodocus. He took it and was glad at heart. They threw their hands on the good things laid ready before them.

§ 8.485 Then after they'd dispatched desire for food and drink, just then adroit Odysseus said to Demodocus: “ Demodocus, above each and every mortal I commend you, whether the Muse, Zeus's daughter, or Apollo taught you, for truly, in due order, you sing the fate of the Achaeans,

§ 8.490 all they did and experienced, all the Achaeans suffered, as if either you were there yourself or heard it from another. But come, shift, and sing the artifice of the Wooden Horse, that Epeius made with the help of Athena, that divine Odysseus once brought, as a trap, to the acropolis,

§ 8.495 and filled with men who ravaged Ilium. If you recount these things to me in the proper way, I'll at once declare to all mankind how generously god granted you inspired song.” So said he, and, inspired by god, Demodocus began, and showed

§ 8.500 his song, taking it up as some Argives boarded well-benched ships, cast fire on the huts, and sailed away, while others sat already, beside renowned Odysseus in the Trojan assembly, hidden in the horse, for the Trojans themselves had dragged it to the acropolis.

§ 8.505 So it stood, and the Trojans voiced many differing opinions as they sat around it. Plans pleased them in three ways: to split the hollow tree, with ruthless bronze, to pieces, to drag it to the highest point and throw it from the rocks, or let it be a talisman, a great glorious gift to the gods,

§ 8.510 the very way that, even then, it was about to happen, for it was their destiny to be destroyed, after the city enfolded the great Wooden Horse, where all the best of the Argives sat, bearing death and doom for Trojans. He sang how the sons of the Achaeans sacked the city,

§ 8.515 when they left their hollow ambush and poured out of the horse. He sang that they sacked the steep city, in one place, then another, but Odysseus made his way to the home of Deiphobus, like Ares, with godlike Menelaus. He said Odysseus endured the grimmest war there

§ 8.520 and won in the end on account of great-hearted Athena. This the far-famed singer sang, but Odysseus melted, as tears from under eyelids wet his cheeks. As a woman weeps, when she falls on her dear husband, who's fallen in front of his city and people,

§ 8.525 warding off ruthless day from his city and children, and as she sees him gasping and dying, she throws her arms around him, and loudly wails, but those behind her strike her back and shoulders with their spears and lead her into bondage, to have hard work and hardship,

§ 8.530 and her cheeks waste away with the most piteous grief, so Odysseus let piteous tears fall from under his brows. He went unnoticed there by all the others, shedding tears, and Alcinous alone noticed him and understood. He sat near him and heard him moaning deeply,

§ 8.535 then said at once to the oar-loving Phaeacians: “Hear me, Phaeacian leaders and commanders, let Demodocus now hold his clear-toned lyre, for he no way pleases everyone with what he sings. From the moment we had supper and the divine singer started,

§ 8.540 never since then has the stranger ceased woeful lamentation. Very likely, sorrow encompasses his heart. But come, let Demodocus hold, so all, hosts and guest, may equally enjoy, for that way is much better, since for the venerable stranger's sake these are prepared,

§ 8.545 the dear gifts and convoy that we give him in friendship. A stranger and supplicant is as good as a brother to a man who has even a little contact with his wits. Therefore, don't, with cunning designs, conceal what I ask you. It's better you reveal it.

§ 8.550 Tell me the name that your mother and father, and the others who live in your town and around it, call you there. For no man, neither bad nor good, is altogether nameless, from the moment he is born, but parents give names to every one after they give birth.

§ 8.555 Tell me your land and home and city, so our ships, directing their minds there, can convey you, for Phaeacian ones don't have pilots, and there aren't any steering oars that other ships have, since the ships themselves know men's thoughts and minds,

§ 8.560 know also all their rich farmlands and cities, and cross the sea's gulf with the greatest speed, wrapped in mist and cloud, and never have any fear at all of being damaged or destroyed. But this I heard, as once upon a time my father Nausithous

§ 8.565 told it, who used to say Poseidon bore a grudge against us, because we're safe convoys for each and every one. He said that someday Poseidon would wreck a well-made ship of Phaeacian men returning from a convey on the misty sea and would wrap a great mountain round our city.

§ 8.570 So the old man said. The god will bring this to fulfillment, or it will be left undone, as it is pleasing to his heart. But come, tell me this, and recount it exactly, where you went off course, what men's lands you came to, and the men themselves and their well-settled cities,

§ 8.575 how many were hard, unjust, and wild, or were hospitable and had god-fearing minds. Tell me why you weep and grieve inside your heart when you hear of the Argive Danaans, and the fate of Ilium. The gods brought this about, and spun the thread of destruction

§ 8.580 for the men, so there'd be a song for those yet to be. Or did some in-law perish in front of Ilium, brave as he was, your wife's son or her father, those who become most worthy of affection after one's own blood and family? Or perhaps it was even some comrade, an agreeable man,

§ 8.585 a brave one? For surely he becomes nothing less than a brother, one who, as a comrade, knows and understands you.