Page 216 - the-odyssey

BOOK XIII

ULYSSES LEAVES SCHERIA

AND RETURNS TO ITHACA.

hus did he speak, and they all held their peace through-
Tout the covered cloister, enthralled by the charm of his
story, till presently Alcinous began to speak.
‘Ulysses,’ said he, ‘now that you have reached my house I
doubt not you will get home without further misadventure
no matter how much you have suffered in the past. To you
others, however, who come here night after night to drink
my choicest wine and listen to my bard, I would insist as fol-
lows. Our guest has already packed up the clothes, wrought
gold, {108} and other valuables which you have brought for
his acceptance; let us now, therefore, present him further,
each one of us, with a large tripod and a cauldron. We will
recoup ourselves by the levy of a general rate; for private in-
dividuals cannot be expected to bear the burden of such a
handsome present.’
Every one approved of this, and then they went home
to bed each in his own abode. When the child of morning,
rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared they hurried down to the
ship and brought their cauldrons with them. Alcinous went
on board and saw everything so securely stowed under the

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