The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice/The Odyssey/Book 8

by Homer

 

BOOK VIII.

 

ARGUMENT.

An assembly of the Phæacians is convoked respecting Ulysses, and a vessel is prepared for his departure. Alcinous entertains the Phæacian nobles at his house; and the games begin. Demodocus the bard first sings the amours of Mars and Venus, and then the introduction of the wooden horse into Troy. Ulysses is affected by his song, and Alcinous, perceiving it, asks who he is, from whence he is come, and what is the occasion of his sorrow.

But when the mother of dawn, rosy-fingered morning, appeared, the sacred^[1] might of Alcinous rose from his bed, and noble Ulysses, the sacker of cities, rose also. And the sacred might of Alcinous led them to the assembly of the Phæacians, which was prepared for them near the ships. And having come, they sat down on the polished stones near [each other]; but Pallas Minerva went through the city, likened unto the herald of prudent Alcinous, planning a return for strong-hearted Ulysses. And standing near each man she addressed them:

"Hither come, ye leaders and chiefs of the Phæacians, to go to the assembly, that ye may hear of the stranger, who lately came to the house of prudent Alcinous, having wandered over the sea, in person like unto the immortals."

Thus having spoken, she incited the might and mind of each. And the forums and seats were quickly filled with men assembling together; for many admired the prudent son of Laertes, as they beheld him, and Minerva shed divine grace over his head and shoulders; and she made him taller and greater to behold, that to all the Phæacians he might be dear and awful and venerable, and might perform many contests, at which the Phæacians tried Ulysses. But when they were collected and assembled together, Alcinous harangued and addressed them:

"Hear, ye leaders and rulers over the Phæacians, whilst I speak what my mind commands me in my breast. This stranger, I know not who [he is], has come wandering unto my house, whether from eastern or western men; but he incites us [to grant him] an escort, and prays for it to be safe. But let us, as hitherto, make ready the escort. For no other person who comes to my house, remains here a long time lamenting on account of an escort.^[2] But come, we will draw a black ship for its first voyage^[3] into the divine sea; and let two and fifty youths^[4] be chosen amongst the people as many as hitherto have been the best. And do ye all, having bound the oars well to the benches, come out: but afterwards, coming to my house, make ready a hasty feast; and I will supply it well for all. These things I enjoin the youths; but do ye the rest, sceptre-bearing princes, come to my fair dwellings, that we may entertain the stranger kindly in our palace, nor let any one refuse; and call the divine bard Demodocus, for to him the deity has granted song exceedingly, to delight in whatever his mind incites him to sing."

Thus having spoken, he led the way; and the sceptre-bearers followed with him; but the herald went for the divine bard. And two and fifty youths, being chosen, went, as he commanded, to the shore of the barren sea. But when, indeed, they came to the ship and to the sea, they drew the black ship into the deep of the sea, and they placed a mast and sails in the black ship; and they fitted the oars in the leather loops, all rightly, and they spread out the white sails; and they moored her high out upon the sea; but afterwards they hastened to the great house of the prudent Alcinous. And the porches and the enclosures and houses were filled with men [collected together; and there were many young and old men]. And Alcinous sacrificed twelve sheep for them, and eight swine with white tusks, and two curve-footed oxen; these they skinned and managed, and made ready a delightful feast. And the herald came near, leading the harmonious bard, whom the Muse loved exceedingly; but she gave him both good and evil; she deprived him indeed of his eyes, but gave him sweet song.^[5] For him Pontonous placed a silver-studded throne in the middle of the guests, leaning it against a tall pillar: and from a peg the herald had hung the clear-toned harp over his head, and taught him how to take it with his hands: and near him he placed a basket, and a beautiful table, and near him a cup of wine to drink, when his mind should incite him; they then stretched forth their hands to the food lying ready before them.

But when they had taken away the desire of drinking and eating, the Muse encouraged the bard to sing the glories of men, a song of which the fame then reached the wide heaven, the strife of Ulysses and Achilles, son of Peleus, how they formerly contended with vehement words in a splendid banquet of the gods; but Agamemnon, king of men, rejoiced in his mind, when the chiefs of the Grecians contended; for so Phœbus Apollo, giving an oracle, told him in divine Pylos, when he passed over the stone threshold to consult the oracle: for then the beginning of harm rolled on to the Trojans and the Grecians, through the will of mighty Jove.

These things the illustrious bard sang; but Ulysses, taking a large purple veil in his sturdy hands, drew it over his head, and covered his beauteous face; for he was ashamed before the Phæacians, shedding tears from under his eyebrows. But when the divine bard had ceased singing, having wiped away the tears, he took the veil from his head, and taking a round cup,^[6] he made libations to the gods: but when he^[7] began again, and the chiefs of the Phæacians incited him to sins, since they were delighted with his verses, Ulysses again, covering his head, mourned. Then indeed he escaped the notice of all the others, shedding tears, but Alcinous alone, sitting near him, marked and perceived him; for he heard him mourning heavily; he immediately therefore addressed the oar-loving Phæacians:

"Hear, ye leaders and rulers over the Phæacians, we are

now satisfied in our mind with the equal banquet, and the harp, which is suited to the abundant feast; but now let us go out, and try all the contests; that also the stranger, returning home, may tell his friends how much we excel others in pugilism, wrestling, and leaping, and in the race."

Thus having spoken he led the way, and they followed together; and from the peg he hung the clear-toned harp: and the herald took the hand of Demodocus, and led him out of the palace; and he went before him the same way which the others, the chiefs of the Phæacians, had gone, to behold the contests. But they went to the forum, and a great crowd followed together, myriads. And there stood up many and excellent youths. There arose indeed Acroneus, and Ocyalus, and Elatreus, and Nauteus, and Prymneus, and Anchialus, and Eretmeus, and Ponteus, and Proreus, (and) Thoon, and Anabesineus, and Amphialus, son of Polynëus, son of Tecton; and there also rose up Euryalus, equal to manslaughtering Mars, and Naubolides, who was the most excellent of all the Phæacians in form and person, after the blameless Laodamas; and there arose the three blameless sons of Alcinous, Laodamas, and Halius, and divine Clytonëus. Some then indeed first made trial in the race; and a course was extended for them from the goal, and they all flew swiftly together, raising the dust along the plain. Of them the blameless Clytonëus was the best in running; and as far as is the distance between mules [and oxen] in fallow land,^[8] so far running on before, he came up to the people, but the others were left behind. But others made trial of laborious wrestling; in this Euryalus excelled all the chiefs; but in leaping Amphialus was the best of all. But on the other hand Elatreus was the most excellent of all with the quoit; and again Laodamas, the doughty son of Alcinous, in pugilism. But when all were delighted in their mind with the contests, Laodamas, son of Alcinous, addressed them:

"Come, my friends, let us ask the stranger if he knows and has learnt any contest. Indeed he is not mean as to his nature, his thighs, and legs, and both his hands above, and his stout neck and mighty strength; nor is he wanting at all in youth, but he is broken down by many ills. For I do not think that there is any thing else worse than the sea to weaken a man, even though he be very strong."

Euryalus answered and addressed him in turn: "O Laodamas, thou hast spoken this word very rightly; do thou now go and challenge him, and speak to him a word." But when the excellent son of Alcinous heard this, he then stood, going in the middle, and addressed Ulysses: "Do thou also come hither, O father stranger, and make trial of the contests, if thou hast by chance learnt any: and it is likely that thou art acquainted with contests. For there is not any greater renown for a man, whilst he exists, than what he shall have done with his feet and his hands. But come, make trial, and disperse cares from thy mind: for thy voyage will not long be delayed; but the ship has just now been drawn out, and companions are ready."

Much-planning Ulysses answering addressed him: "O Laodamas, why do ye command these things, cutting me to the heart? griefs are even more in my mind than contests, I who before indeed suffered very many things, and have endured many labours: but now I sit in your assembly desiring a return, entreating the king and all the people."

But him Euryalus answered in turn, and chided openly: "I by no means liken thee, O stranger, to a man skilled in contests, such as there are many amongst men. But [I liken thee] to him, who constantly being in a many-benched ship, [is] a ruler of sailors, who are also merchants, and is mindful of his freight, and a superintendent of provisions, and rapacious profits; nor art thou at all like unto a wrestler."

But him much-planning Ulysses, looking sternly, addressed: "O stranger, thou hast not spoken well; you are like unto an injurious man: thus the gods do not bestow graceful accomplishments on all men, neither nature, nor mind, nor eloquence; for one man in appearance is weaker, but God adorns his form with words, and others look upon him with delight. But he discourses safely with mild modesty, and excels amongst those who are assembled together: and they look upon him, when coming through the city, as upon a god. Another again is like unto the immortals in his form, but grace does not crown his words.^[9] So also thy form is handsome, nor would a god fashion it otherwise; but thou art foolish in thine understanding: thou hast provoked my mind in my breast, having spoken not according to propriety; but I am not unskilled in contests, as thou, forsooth, dost say, but I think that I was amongst the first, when I trusted in my youth, and in my hands. But now I am held fast by calamity and griefs; for I have endured many things, both wars amongst men, and passing over the grievous waves; but even thus, although having suffered many evils, I will make trial of the contests, for thy language is galling to the mind;^[10] and thou hast provoked me by thy words."

He spoke, and rushing with his garment as it was,^[11] he seized a very large and thick quoit, no little firmer, than with what the Phæacians played at quoits with one another. Whirling this round, he hurled it from his strong hand; but the stone whizzed; and the Phæacians, who use long oars, sea-famous men, crouched down upon the earth from the throw of the stone; but it flew over all the marks, rushing easily from his hand; for Minerva, likened in person unto a man, had set the boundaries, and spoke and said:

"Even a blind man, O stranger, groping about, would distinguish the mark; since it is by no means mingled with the multitude, but is far the foremost; but do thou be confident, at least as to this contest; no one of the Phæacians shall reach this, nor pass beyond it."

Thus she spoke; but much-enduring divine Ulysses was glad, rejoicing, because he perceived a kind friend in the ring, and then he addressed the Phæacians more lightly: "Reach this now, O youths; but I think that I will soon send another as large, or even larger. Of the others, whomsoever^[12] his heart and mind exhorts, let him come hither and make trial (since ye have irritated me very much) either in pugilism, or in wrestling, or even in the race, I grudge not at all, of all the Phæacians, [I say,] except Laodamas himself: for he is my host; and who would contend with one who receives him? That man indeed is foolish and worth nothing, whoever proposes a strife in contests with his host, among a foreign people; and he makes all his own affairs worse: but of the others I refuse not nor despise any one, but I wish to know and to make trial openly; for I am not insignificant in all things, as many contests as there are amongst men. For I know well how to handle the well-polished bow; I could hit a man the first, darting arrows in a crowd of hostile men; even though very many companions should stand near, and should direct their bows against the men. Philoctetes indeed alone excelled me with the bow, amongst the people of the Trojans, where we Greeks used our bows. But of the others I say that I am far the best, as many as are now mortals eating food upon the earth. But I am not willing to contend with former men, neither with Hercules, nor Eurytus the Œchalian, who contended even with the immortals about bows: therefore mighty Eurytus died immediately, nor did he attain to old age in his palace; for Apollo, wrath with him, slew him, because he challenged him to a contest of archery. And I dart with a spear, as far as no one else would with an arrow. I fear for my feet alone, lest any one of the Phæacians should pass me; for I have been very greatly beaten down in many waves: since there was no continual provision^[13] for oneself in a ship; therefore my limbs are relaxed."

Thus he spoke, but they all were speechless in silence; and Alcinous alone answering addressed him: "O stranger, since thou dost not speak these things unpleasant to us, but dost wish to show thy prowess, which accompanies thee, being angry, because this man standing in the contest has chided thee; in order that no mortal may blame thy prowess, whoever in his mind knows how to speak fitting things; come now, understand my word, that thou mayest relate to another also of the heroes, when thou dost feast in thy palace, near thy wife and thy children, mindful of our excellence, what works Jove enjoins upon us throughout, even from our ancestors. For we are not faultless pugilists, nor wrestlers, but we run swiftly with our feet, and are the best in [managing] ships: and ever dear to us [is] the banquet, and the harp and dances, and changing of garments, and warm baths, and beds. But come, ye dancers of the Phæacians, as many of you as are the best, play; that the stranger returning home may relate to his friends how much we excel others in sailing, and in the race, and in the dance, and the song. But let some one go immediately, and bring the clear-toned harp for Demodocus, which lies some where in our house."

Thus spoke godlike Alcinous; but the herald rose to bring the sweet harp from the house of the king. And all the nine public chosen umpires^[14] rose up, who managed every thing well in the contests: and they made the floor smooth, and widened the beautiful ring. And the herald came near, bringing the clear-toned harp to Demodocus; and he then went into the middle; and around him there stood youths in the prime of life, skilled in the dance: and they struck the divine floor^[15] with their feet: but Ulysses regarded the twinklings^[16] of their feet, and marvelled in his mind.

But he playing on the harp struck up^[17] to sing beautifully, about the love of Mars and beautifully-crowned Venus, how they at first had intercourse stealthily in the house of Vulcan: for he gave her many things, and disgraced the couch and bed of king Vulcan; but to him there immediately came as a messenger the Sun, who perceived them mixed in love. But Vulcan, when he heard the heart-paining tale, hastened to his smithy, deeply planning evils in his mind: he placed a mighty anvil on the stock, and forged chains not to be broken or loosed, that they might remain there fixed. But after he had contrived the stratagem, enraged with Mars, he hastened to the chamber, where his dear bed lay. And then around the bed-posts he puts chains in a circle on every side; and many were fitted above from the ceiling, as slender cobwebs, which no one could see, even of the blessed gods; for they were made exceedingly cunning. But when he had spread all the snare around the bed, he pretended that he would go to Lemnos, a well-built city, which to him is by far the dearest of all lands.^[18] Nor did golden-bridled Mars keep a blind look-out, when he beheld Vulcan, illustrious for his art, going to a distance; he hastened to the house of illustrious Vulcan, desirous of the love of beauteous-crowned Venus. But she having lately come from her father, the powerful son of Saturn, sat down: but he went within the house, and laid hold of her by the hand, and spoke and addressed her:

"Come, dear one, let us twain turn to bed to lie down; for Vulcan is not at home, but is now gone some where to Lemnos, to the barbarous Sintians."

Thus he spoke; and to her it seemed delightful to go to bed. They twain mounting the couch laid down to rest; but the artful chains of ingenious Vulcan were spread around them, nor could they by any means move their limbs, nor rise up. And then indeed they knew that there were no longer means of escape. But illustrious Vulcan came near them, returning again before he reached the land of Lemnos: for the Sun kept a look-out for him, and told him the affair: [and he hastened home, sorrowing in his dear heart;] and he stood in the vestibule; and fierce anger possessed him, and he shouted terribly, and called aloud to all the gods.

"O father Jove, and ye other blessed gods who exist ever, come, that ye may behold deeds not to be laughed at nor endured; how Venus, the daughter of Jove, always dishonours me who am lame, and loves all-destructive Mars; because he is handsome and sound-footed, but I am become weak; but there is no one to blame for me, but my two parents, who ought not to have produced me. But see where they sleep together in love, having ascended my bed; but I am grieved at beholding them. I do not indeed expect that they will any more, even a little while, lie so, although loving each other very much: perhaps they will not both wish to sleep: but a snare and chain shall detain them, until her father shall repay all the dowries, whatever I gave him, for the impudent damsel, because his daughter is fair, but not chaste."

Thus he spoke; and the gods were assembled at the brazen house: earth-shaking Neptune came, all-beneficent^[19] Mercury came, and the far-darting king Apollo came: but the female deities each remained at home through shame. And the gods, bestowers of good things,^[20] stood in the vestibule; and there arose an inextinguishable laughter amongst the blessed gods, when they saw the arts of ingenious Vulcan. But thus some one^[21] said, looking to another who was near: "Evil works do not succeed: the slow overtakes the quick: as now Vulcan, although slow, has caught Mars, the swiftest of the gods who possess Olympus, he being lame, [has caught him] by his art; wherefore he owns a fine for being detected in adultery."

Thus they spoke such things to one another; and king Apollo, the son of Jove, addressed Mercury: "O Mercury, son of Jove, messenger, giver of good things, wouldst thou be willing, pressed in strong chains, to sleep in the bed near golden Venus?"

But him the messenger, the slayer of Argus, immediately addressed: "I wish this might happen, O king, far-darting Apollo, (and) might thrice so many immense chains surround me, and ye gods behold, and all the goddesses, yet I would sleep near golden Venus."

Thus he spoke, and laughter arose amongst the immortal gods. But laughter did not possess Neptune; but he constantly entreated the illustrious artificer Vulcan, that he would loose Mars: and addressing him, spoke winged words: "Loose him; and I promise that he shall pay, as thou commandest, all the things that are proper amongst the immortal gods."

But him illustrious Vulcan addressed in turn: "Do not, O earth-shaking Neptune, command me these things. Wretched indeed are the sureties to be received for the bad.^[22] How could I oblige you, among the immortal gods, if Mars should go away, having escaped the debt and the chain?"

But him Earth-shaking Neptune addressed in turn: "O Vulcan, even though Mars, escaping from the debt, should go away flying, I myself will pay thee these things."

But him illustrious Vulcan immediately answered: "It is not possible, nor is it meet to reject thy word."

Thus speaking, the might of Vulcan loosed the chain. When they were loosed from the chain, although it was strong, both rushing forth immediately, he (Mars) went to Thrace, but she, the laughter-loving Venus, came to Cyprus, to Paphos, where is her grove and incensed altar: here the Graces washed her, and anointed her with immortal oil, such as glosses over the gods who exist for ever: and they put beautiful garments around her, a marvel to behold.

These things the illustrious bard sang; and Ulysses was delighted in his mind as he heard it, and also the other Phæacians who use long oars, illustrious sailors. But Alcinous commanded Halius and Laodamas to dance alone, since no one rivalled them. When then they had taken the beautiful purple ball in their hands, which skilful Polybus made for them, one of them, bent backwards, threw it towards the shadowy clouds; and the other, having raised himself on high from the earth, easily laid hold of it, before he reached the ground with his feet. But when they had made trial with the ball straight upwards, they afterwards danced on the fruitful earth, frequently throwing it from one to another, and the other youths applauded, standing in the ring; and a great noise arose under [their feet]. Then divine Ulysses addressed Alcinous:

"O King Alcinous, most illustrious of all the people, you certainly engaged^[23] that you were the best dancers, and certainly these things have been accomplished; astonishment possesses me as I behold."

Thus he spoke; and the sacred might of Alcinous rejoiced; and he immediately addressed the oar-loving Phæacians: "Listen, ye leaders and rulers over the Phæacians, the stranger seems to me to be very prudent. But come, let us give him a present of hospitality, as is just; for twelve excellent princes rule, chieftains amongst the people, and I myself am the thirteenth; of whom do each of you bring a well-washed veil, and a tunic, and a talent of precious gold. And let us all together immediately bring them; that the stranger, having them in his hands, may go to supper rejoicing in his mind: but let Euryalus appease him with words and a present; since he did not speak rightly."

Thus he spoke; but they all praised, and ordered it; and each of them despatched a herald to fetch the gifts; but him Euryalus answered, and addressed in turn:

"O king Alcinous, most illustrious of all the people, therefore I will appease the stranger, as thou commandest; I will give him this all-brazen sword, whose hilt is silver, and a scabbard of newly-sawn ivory is set around it; and it will be worth much to him."

Thus saying, he placed the silver-studded sword in his hands, and speaking winged words, addressed him:

"Hail, O father stranger; and if any grievous word has been uttered, may the storms, having snatched it up immediately, carry it away; but to thee may the gods grant both to behold thy wife, and to reach thy country; since thou art suffering misfortunes a long time away from friends."

But him much-planning Ulysses addressed in answer: "Much hail thou also, friend, and may the gods give thee happiness; nor mayest thou hereafter at all have regret for this sword, which thou hast given me, appeasing me with words."

He spoke, and girt about his shoulders the silver-studded sword; and the sun set, and the famous gifts were present for him. And the noble heralds bore them to [the house] of Alcinous; and the sons of illustrious Alcinous having received them, placed the very beautiful gifts near their venerable mother. And the sacred might of Alcinous led the way for them, and coming they sat on lofty thrones; then truly mighty Alcinous addressed Arete:

"Hither, lady, bring a handsome chest, whichever is best; and in it place a well-washed cloak, and a tunic; and warm for him a brazen vessel with fire, and heat water, that both having washed himself, and having seen all the presents placed in order, which the illustrious Phæacians have brought here, he may be delighted both with the banquet, and by hearing the chaunt of song: and I will give him this my cup, very beautiful, golden, that remembering me all his days, he may pour forth libations in his palace, both to Jove and the other gods."

Thus he spoke; and Arete told her handmaidens, with all haste to place a large tripod on the fire. And they placed a three-footed laver on the bright fire; and poured water in it, and taking wood kindled it beneath. The fire encircled the belly^[24] of the tripod, and the water was warmed. But in the meanwhile Arete brought out of her chamber a very beautiful chest for the stranger, and placed in it handsome presents, a garment, and gold, which the Phæacians gave him; and in it she put a cloak and beautiful tunic, and speaking, addressed to him winged words:

"Thyself now look to the lid, and quickly put a chain upon it,^[25] lest any one should defraud thee on thy way, when again thou sleepest sweet slumber, going in the black ship."

But when much-enduring divine Ulysses heard this, he immediately fitted on the lid, and quickly put upon it a various chain, which venerable Circe sometime taught him in his mind. And the housekeeper bade him forthwith wash himself, having gone into the bathing tub: and he gladly in his mind beheld the warm bath; because he had not been at all used to take care of himself since he left the dwelling of the fair-haired Calypso; but so long at least care of himself was continual to him, as to a god. When therefore the handmaidens had washed and anointed him with oil, and had thrown about him a beautiful mantle and tunic, having gone out of the bath, he went to the men who were drinking wine; but Nausicaa, possessing beauty from the gods, stood by a pillar of the well-made roof; and she admired Ulysses, seeing him with her eyes, and speaking she addressed to him winged words: "Farewell, stranger, that sometime being in thy paternal land thou mayest remember me, that thou owest to me first the debt of preservation of thy life."

But her much-counselling Ulysses addressed in answer: "Nausicaa, daughter of strong-hearted Alcinous, thus now may Jove, the mighty-sounding husband of Juno, grant to me both to go home, and to see the day of my return: then there also to thee, as to a deity, would I pray still all my days; for thou hast saved my life, O damsel."

He spoke, and sat on a throne near king Alcinous. And they now both divided the shares [of the feast], and mixed wine. And a herald came near, bringing the harmonious bard, Demodocus, honoured by the people; and he sat him in the midst of the feasters, having propped him against a lofty column. Then indeed much-planning Ulysses addressed the herald, having first cut off [a portion] from the back; and a great part of a white-tusked swine was left, and rich fat was about it.

"Herald, take and give this flesh to Demodocus, that he may eat; and I will embrace him, although grieved. For by all earthly men bards are allotted honour and respect, because indeed the Muse has taught them songs, and loves the tribe of bards."

Thus he spoke; but the herald, bringing it, placed it in the hands of the hero Demodocus; and he received it and rejoiced in his mind. And they stretched forth their hands to the food which lay ready before them. But when they had taken away the desire of drinking and eating, then truly much-planning Ulysses addressed Demodocus:

"O Demodocus, I indeed praise thee above all mortals; either the Muse, child of Jove, has taught thee, or Apollo at least; for thou singest well in order the fate of the Achæans, both what things they did, and suffered, and what things the Achæans laboured; as if perchance either being thyself present, or having heard from another. But come now, change [the strain] and sing the preparation of the wooden horse, which Epeus made with Minerva, which divine Ulysses formerly brought into the citadel, a stratagem, having filled it with men who sacked Ilium. If indeed thou shouldst tell me these things in order, I will immediately tell to all men, how a kind god has bestowed on thee divine song."

Thus he spoke; and he, inspired by the god, began, and showed forth his song, taking it from thence, how the Argives, some indeed having embarked in the well-benched ships, sailed away, having hurled fire into their tents; and others now were sitting around all-famous Ulysses in the forum of the Trojans, being covered in the horse; for the Trojans themselves had drawn it into the citadel. Thus it stood;^[26] and they sitting about it spoke many undecided things; and counsel pleased them three ways, either to cut through the hollow wood with the hard brass, or having dragged it to a summit, to cast it down the rocks, or to permit the great image to be a propitiation of the gods, as it was even afterwards about to be brought to pass. For it was fated that it should perish, when the city should cover around^[27] a great wooden horse, where all the best of the Argives sat, bearing slaughter and Fate to the Trojans. And he sang how the sons of the Greeks destroyed the city, being poured forth from the horse, having left the hollow ambush. He sang that one laid waste^[28] the lofty city in one way, and another in another; but that Ulysses, like Mars, went to the house of Deiphobus with godlike Menelaus. There indeed he said, that he, having dared a very fierce battle, conquered afterwards by means of strong-hearted Minerva. These things, then, the very famous bard sang; but Ulysses was melted, and a tear moistened his cheeks under his eyelids. And as a woman weeps falling about her dear husband, who falls before his own city and people, warding off the fatal day from his town and children; she indeed, gazing on him dying and gasping, spread about him laments shrilly; but they behind smiting her with spears on the back and the shoulders, lead her into captivity, to have both toil and calamity, and with most piteous grief her cheeks fade. So Ulysses poured a piteous tear from under his eye-brows. Then indeed he escaped the notice of all the others, pouring forth tears, but Alcinous alone observed and perceived him, sitting near him, and heard him mourning heavily; and immediately addressed the oar-loving Phæacians:

"Hear, ye leaders and rulers over the Phæacians, and let Demodocus now stop his clear-toned harp; for somehow he does not sing these things gratifying to all. From the time when we were supping, and the divine bard began, from this time the stranger has not by any means ceased from mournful grief; some great sorrow surrounds his mind; but come, let him stop, that we may all alike be delighted, hosts and guest; since thus it is much more honourable. For these things are prepared on account of the venerable stranger, an escort, and grateful presents, which we entertaining [him] bestow on him. The stranger and suppliant is considered in the place of a brother by a man who partakes of understanding even a little. Do thou therefore now not conceal by crafty thoughts what I shall ask thee; but it is better that thou shouldst say. Tell the name, whatever both thy mother and father there called thee, and others who dwell in and around the city; for no one of men is altogether nameless, neither bad nor good, since he was first born, but parents give [names] to all, when they bring them forth. And tell me thy land, and people, and city: that our ships calculating in thought^[29] may conduct thee thither. For there are no pilots for the Phæacians, nor are there rudders at all, which other ships have; but they themselves ken the thoughts and minds of men. And they ken the cities and rich fields of all men; and very swiftly pass over the ridge of the sea, covered with darkness and a cloud; nor is there fear at any time for them, that they will be either harmed at all or perish. But I have heard my father Nausithous sometime telling these things thus, who said that Neptune was indignant with us, because we are harmless conductors of all. He said that he would sometime destroy a well-worked ship of the Phæacian men returning from a conduct on the shadowy sea, and that a great mountain [of waves]^[30] should cover around our city. Thus the old man spoke; which things the god will either accomplish, or they will be not accomplished, as is grateful to his mind. But come, tell me this and inform me truly, both whither thou hast wandered, and to what lands of men thou hast come; both themselves and their well-inhabited cities. And how many are both cruel, and rough, and not just; and who [are] hospitable, and have a mind which regards the gods. Say too at what thou weepest, and art grieving within thine heart, on hearing the calamity of the Argives, Danaans, and Ilium. That [calamity] the gods indeed devised, and destined destruction for men, that it maybe a [subject of] song even to posterity. Has indeed some relation of thine perished before Ilium, who was brave, a son-in-law, or father-in-law, who are nearest to us after both our own blood and race? Or perchance even some man thy companion, knowing things pleasing to thee, brave; since he indeed is not at all inferior to a brother, who, being a companion, kens what is prudent."

 

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1. Ernesti observes that this epithet is applied to Alcinous, as a king, like "sanctitas" in Latin. Cf. Sueton. Cæs. 6.
2. i. e. "through wanting one."
3. Not only nearly built, but also ἡ πρώτη κατὰ τὸ πλέειν—ναυαρχίς. Eustath.
4. Observe that κόυρο is made to agree with the dual δύω, not with πεντήκοντα, the plural. Cf. vii. 48 and 51, with the note of Eustathius.
5. The blindness of bards is almost proverbial. See some quaint and amusing illustrations in Duport, Gnomol. Hom. p. 184. So Milton Par. Lost, iii. 32:
   "Nor sometimes forget
   Those other two, equall'd with me in fate,
   So were I equall'd with them in renown,
   Blind Thamyris and blind Mæonides,
   And Tiresias and Phineus, prophets old."
   
   
6. But on the ἀμφικύπελλον, see my note on iii. 63.
7. The bard.
8. Literally "as far as is the distance of mules in fallow land." Clytonëus was as far in advance of his competitors, as there is left space between mules and oxen, when they are yoked together to plough a fallow land. Eustath. Cf. Il. x. 352. Loewe.
9. Literally, "grace is not set as a crown around his words."
10. Tasso, Gier. canto x. st. 10:
    "Ne il mordace parlar' indarno è tale
    Perche della virtù cote è lo sdegno."
    
    
11. i. e. without stripping, after the manner of combatants. Schol. σῦν τῷ ἱματίῳ ὡς εἶχεν.
12. Observe the poetic form ὅτινα for ὅντινα. Cf. Thiersch. Gk. Gr. § 206, 26.
13. From the passage at vs. 452, ἐπειδὴ λίπε δῶμα Καλυψοῦς ἠϋκόμοιο· Τόφρα δὲ οἱ κομιδή γε, θεῷ ὡς, ἔμπεδος ἦεν, referring to v. 264, sqq. I think there is no doubt that food, sustenance, is meant, especially if we remember Homer's ideas on the weakness produced by hunger, as implied in the words γυῖα λέλυνται. Cf. Il. xix. γυῖα βαρύνεται, κ. τ. λ., and Duport, Gnom. Hom. p. 106, sqq.
14. The term αἰσυμνήτης was originally applied to the governors of the Cumæans, and hence to rulers in general.
15. The primary meaning of χόρος is "a place for dancing."
16. Micationes, quick, rapid movements.
17. See on i. 155.
18. The student will doubtless remember that each deity had a favourite place of abode and worship. Thus Venus possessed Paphos, (infra, 363,) Juno Samos, Argos, and Carthage, (Virg. Æn. i. 19. Ovid, Met. viii. 220. Apud. Met. vi. p. 458. Eustath. on Dion. Pierieg. 530,) Æsculapius Epidaurus, &c. The reason of Vulcan's preference is explained by Eustathius thus, διὰ τοὺς ἐκεῖ κρατῆρας τοῦ πυρός, καὶ ὅτι καὶ πόλεις δύο περὶ αὐτὴν, ὧν μία καὶ ἡ Ἡφαιστία.
19. ἐριούνης, ἔρι ὄνησας τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, μεγαλωφέλης, πολυωφέλης. Schol. Cf. Alberti on Hesych. t. i. 1432.
20. On this sentiment respecting the heavenly bestowal of "every good gift," see Duport, Gnom. Hom. p. 190, and Barth. on Gratius, Cyneg. 1.
21. τις = one to another.
22. I follow Loewe, understanding δειλαὶ ἢ ὥστε ἐγγυᾶσθαι, in the sense of λαμβάνειν ἐγγύας, as Eustathius rightly says.
23. Literally, "threatened," which we sometimes say in English, with a jocular meaning.
24. Or the lower part, τὸν πυθμένα. Schol.
25. "In ancient times it was the custom to secure boxes with straps. Keys were a more modern invention." Eustath.
26. Compare Virg. Æn. ii. 31, sqq. Petron. Arb. § 123. Eurip. Troad. 540, sqq. Tryphiodor. 238, sqq.
27. i. e. contain.
28. Literally, "lopped, cropped down.
29. These "thinking ships" of Homer's are almost as clever as the "prophesying Argo" of Valerius Flaccus, i. 2.
30. Virg. Æn. i. 109, "præruptus aquæ mons." Ovid. Trist. i. 2, 19, "quanto montes volvuntur aquarum;" ii. 10, 20, "Inque modum tumuli concava surgit aqua."