Page 217 - the-odyssey

ship’s benches that nothing could break adrift and injure
the rowers. Then they went to the house of Alcinous to get
dinner, and he sacrificed a bull for them in honour of Jove
who is the lord of all. They set the steaks to grill and made
an excellent dinner, after which the inspired bard, Demod-
ocus, who was a favourite with every one, sang to them; but
Ulysses kept on turning his eyes towards the sun, as though
to hasten his setting, for he was longing to be on his way.
As one who has been all day ploughing a fallow field with a
couple of oxen keeps thinking about his supper and is glad
when night comes that he may go and get it, for it is all his
legs can do to carry him, even so did Ulysses rejoice when
the sun went down, and he at once said to the Phaeacians,
addressing himself more particularly to King Alcinous:
‘Sir, and all of you, farewell. Make your drink-offerings
and send me on my way rejoicing, for you have fulfilled my
heart’s desire by giving me an escort, and making me pres-
ents, which heaven grant that I may turn to good account;
may I find my admirable wife living in peace among friends,
{109} and may you whom I leave behind me give satisfaction
to your wives and children; {110} may heaven vouchsafe you
every good grace, and may no evil thing come among your
people.’
Thus did he speak. His hearers all of them approved his
saying and agreed that he should have his escort inasmuch
as he had spoken reasonably. Alcinous therefore said to his
servant, ‘Pontonous, mix some wine and hand it round to
everybody, that we may offer a prayer to father Jove, and
speed our guest upon his way.’

1 The Odyssey