Odyssey

Now when the rosy-finger'd Morn arose,

ἦμος δʼ ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

The sacred pow'r Alcinous did dispose

ὤρνυτʼ ἄρʼ ἐξ εὐνῆς ἱερὸν μένος Ἀλκινόοιο,

Did likewise rise; and, like him, left his ease

ἂν δʼ ἄρα διογενὴς ὦρτο πτολίπορθος Ὀδυσσεύς.

The city-razer Laertiades.

τοῖσιν δʼ ἡγεμόνευʼ ἱερὸν μένος Ἀλκινόοιο

The Council at the navy was design'd;

Φαιήκων ἀγορήνδʼ, ἥ σφιν παρὰ νηυσὶ τέτυκτο.

To which Alcinous, with the sacred mind,

ἐλθόντες δὲ καθῖζον ἐπὶ ξεστοῖσι λίθοισι

Came first of all. On polish'd stones they sate,

πλησίον. ἡ δʼ ἀνὰ ἄστυ μετῴχετο Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

Near to the navy. To increase the state,

εἰδομένη κήρυκι δαΐφρονος Ἀλκινόοιο,

Minerva took the herald's form on her,

νόστον Ὀδυσσῆι μεγαλήτορι μητιόωσα,

That serv'd Alcinous, studious to prefer

καί ῥα ἑκάστῳ φωτὶ παρισταμένη φάτο μῦθον·

Ulysses' suit for home. About the town

δεῦτʼ ἄγε, Φαιήκων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες,

She made quick way, and fill'd with the renown

εἰς ἀγορὴν ἰέναι, ὄφρα ξείνοιο πύθησθε,

Of that design the ears of ev'ry man,

ὃς νέον Ἀλκινόοιο δαΐφρονος ἵκετο δῶμα

Proclaiming thus: "Peers Phæacensian!

πόντον ἐπιπλαγχθείς, δέμας ἀθανάτοισιν ὁμοῖος.

And Men of Council, all haste to the court,

ὣς εἰποῦσʼ ὤτρυνε μένος καὶ θυμὸν ἑκάστου.

To hear the stranger that made late resort

καρπαλίμως δʼ ἔμπληντο βροτῶν ἀγοραί τε καὶ ἕδραι

To King Alcinous, long time lost at sea,

ἀγρομένων· πολλοὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐθηήσαντο ἰδόντες

And is in person like a Deity."

υἱὸν Λαέρταο δαΐφρονα· τῷ δʼ ἄρʼ Ἀθήνη

This all their pow'rs set up, and spirit instill'd,

θεσπεσίην κατέχευε χάριν κεφαλῇ τε καὶ ὤμοις

And straight the court and seats with men were fill'd.

καί μιν μακρότερον καὶ πάσσονα θῆκεν ἰδέσθαι,

The whole state wonder'd at Laertes' son,

ὥς κεν Φαιήκεσσι φίλος πάντεσσι γένοιτο

When they beheld him. Pallas put him on

δεινός τʼ αἰδοῖός τε καὶ ἐκτελέσειεν ἀέθλους

A supernatural and heav'nly dress,

πολλούς, τοὺς Φαίηκες ἐπειρήσαντʼ Ὀδυσῆος.

Enlarg'd him with a height, and goodliness

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἤγερθεν ὁμηγερέες τʼ ἐγένοντο,

In breast and shoulders, that he might appear

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀλκίνοος ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπε·

Gracious, and grave, and reverend, and bear

κέκλυτε, Φαιήκων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες,

A perfect hand on his performance there

ὄφρʼ εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κελεύει.

In all the trials they resolv'd t' impose.

ξεῖνος ὅδʼ, οὐκ οἶδʼ ὅς τις, ἀλώμενος ἵκετʼ ἐμὸν δῶ,

All met, and gather'd in attention close,

ἠὲ πρὸς ἠοίων ἦ ἑσπερίων ἀνθρώπων·

Alcinous thus bespake them: "Dukes, and lords,

πομπὴν δʼ ὀτρύνει, καὶ λίσσεται ἔμπεδον εἶναι.

Hear me digest my hearty thoughts in words.

ἡμεῖς δʼ, ὡς τὸ πάρος περ, ἐποτρυνώμεθα πομπήν.

This stranger here, whose travels found my court,

οὐδὲ γὰρ οὐδέ τις ἄλλος, ὅτις κʼ ἐμὰ δώμαθʼ ἵκηται,

I know not, nor can tell if his resort

ἐνθάδʼ ὀδυρόμενος δηρὸν μένει εἵνεκα πομπῆς.

From East or West comes; but his suit is this:

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῆα μέλαιναν ἐρύσσομεν εἰς ἅλα δῖαν

That to his country-earth we would dismiss

πρωτόπλοον, κούρω δὲ δύω καὶ πεντήκοντα

His hither-forcéd person, and doth bear

κρινάσθων κατὰ δῆμον, ὅσοι πάρος εἰσὶν ἄριστοι.

The mind to pass it under ev'ry peer;

δησάμενοι δʼ ἐὺ πάντες ἐπὶ κληῖσιν ἐρετμὰ

Whom I prepare, and stir up, making known

ἔκβητʼ· αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα θοὴν ἀλεγύνετε δαῖτα

My free desire of his deductión.

ἡμέτερόνδʼ ἐλθόντες· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐὺ πᾶσι παρέξω.

Nor shall there ever any other man

κούροισιν μὲν ταῦτʼ ἐπιτέλλομαι· αὐτὰρ οἱ ἄλλοι

That tries the goodness Phæacensian

σκηπτοῦχοι βασιλῆες ἐμὰ πρὸς δώματα καλὰ

In me, and my court's entertainment, stay,

ἔρχεσθʼ, ὄφρα ξεῖνον ἐνὶ μεγάροισι φιλέωμεν,

Mourning for passage, under least delay.

μηδέ τις ἀρνείσθω. καλέσασθε δὲ θεῖον ἀοιδὸν

Come then, a ship into the sacred seas,

Δημόδοκον· τῷ γάρ ῥα θεὸς πέρι δῶκεν ἀοιδὴν

New-built, now launch we; and from out our prease

τέρπειν, ὅππῃ θυμὸς ἐποτρύνῃσιν ἀείδειν.

Choose two-and-fifty youths, of all, the best

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἡγήσατο, τοὶ δʼ ἅμʼ ἕποντο

To use an oar. All which see straight imprest,

σκηπτοῦχοι· κῆρυξ δὲ μετῴχετο θεῖον ἀοιδόν.

And in their oar-bound seats. Let others hie

κούρω δὲ κρινθέντε δύω καὶ πεντήκοντα

Home to our court, commanding instantly

βήτην, ὡς ἐκέλευσʼ, ἐπὶ θῖνʼ ἁλὸς ἀτρυγέτοιο.

The solemn preparation of a feast,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἐπὶ νῆα κατήλυθον ἠδὲ θάλασσαν,

In which provision may for any guest

νῆα μὲν οἵ γε μέλαιναν ἁλὸς βένθοσδε ἔρυσσαν,

Be made at my charge. Charge of these low things

ἐν δʼ ἱστόν τʼ ἐτίθεντο καὶ ἱστία νηὶ μελαίνῃ,

I give our youth. You, sceptre-bearing kings,

ἠρτύναντο δʼ ἐρετμὰ τροποῖς ἐν δερματίνοισι,

Consort me home, and help with grace to use

πάντα κατὰ μοῖραν, ἀνά θʼ ἱστία λευκὰ πέτασσαν.

This guest of ours; no one man shall refuse.

ὑψοῦ δʼ ἐν νοτίῳ τήν γʼ ὥρμισαν· αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

Some other of you haste, and call to us

βάν ῥʼ ἴμεν Ἀλκινόοιο δαΐφρονος ἐς μέγα δῶμα.

The sacred singer, grave Demodocus,

πλῆντο δʼ ἄρʼ αἴθουσαί τε καὶ ἕρκεα καὶ δόμοι ἀνδρῶν

To whom hath God giv'n song that can excite

ἀγρομένων· πολλοὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔσαν, νέοι ἠδὲ παλαιοί.

The heart of whom he listeth with delight."

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀλκίνοος δυοκαίδεκα μῆλʼ ἱέρευσεν,

This said, he led. The sceptre-bearers lent

ὀκτὼ δʼ ἀργιόδοντας ὕας, δύο δʼ εἰλίποδας βοῦς·

Their free attendance; and with all speed went

τοὺς δέρον ἀμφί θʼ ἕπον, τετύκοντό τε δαῖτʼ ἐρατεινήν.

The herald for the sacred man-in-song.

κῆρυξ δʼ ἐγγύθεν ἦλθεν ἄγων ἐρίηρον ἀοιδόν,

Youths two-and-fifty, chosen from the throng,

τὸν πέρι μοῦσʼ ἐφίλησε, δίδου δʼ ἀγαθόν τε κακόν τε·

Went, as was will'd, to the untam'd sea's shore;

ὀφθαλμῶν μὲν ἄμερσε, δίδου δʼ ἡδεῖαν ἀοιδήν.

Where come, they launch'd the ship, the mast it bore

τῷ δʼ ἄρα Ποντόνοος θῆκε θρόνον ἀργυρόηλον

Advanc'd, sails hoiséd, ev'ry seat his oar

μέσσῳ δαιτυμόνων, πρὸς κίονα μακρὸν ἐρείσας·

Gave with a leather thong. The deep moist then

κὰδ δʼ ἐκ πασσαλόφι κρέμασεν φόρμιγγα λίγειαν

They further reach'd. The dry streets flow'd with men,

αὐτοῦ ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς καὶ ἐπέφραδε χερσὶν ἑλέσθαι

That troop'd up to the king's capacious court,

κῆρυξ· πὰρ δʼ ἐτίθει κάνεον καλήν τε τράπεζαν,

Whose porticos were chok'd with the resort,

πὰρ δὲ δέπας οἴνοιο, πιεῖν ὅτε θυμὸς ἀνώγοι.

Whose walls were hung with men, young, old, thrust there

οἱ δʼ ἐπʼ ὀνείαθʼ ἑτοῖμα προκείμενα χεῖρας ἴαλλον.

In mighty concourse; for whose promis'd cheer

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

Alcinous slew twelve sheep, eight white-tooth'd swine,

μοῦσʼ ἄρʼ ἀοιδὸν ἀνῆκεν ἀειδέμεναι κλέα ἀνδρῶν,

Two crook-haunch'd beeves; which flay'd and dress'd, divine

The show was of so many a jocund guest,

All set together at so set a feast.

To whose accomplish'd state the herald then

The lovely singer led; who past all mean

The Muse affected, gave him good, and ill,

His eyes put out, but put in soul at will.

His place was giv'n him in a chair all grac'd

With silver studs, and 'gainst a pillar plac'd:

Where, as the centre to the state, he rests,

And round about the circle of the guests.

The herald on a pin above his head

His soundful harp hung, to whose height he led

His hand for taking of it down at will,

A board set by with food, and forth did fill

A bowl of wine, to drink at his desire.

The rest then fell to feast, and, when the fire

Of appetite was quench'd, the Muse inflam'd

The sacred singer. Of men highliest fam'd

He sung the glories, and a poem penn'd,

That in applause did ample heav'n ascend.

Whose subject was, the stern Contentión

Betwixt Ulysses and great Thetis' son,

As, at a banquet sacred to the Gods,

In dreadful language they express'd their odds.

When Agamemnon sat rejoic'd in soul

To hear the Greek peers jar in terms so foul;

For augur Phœbus in presage had told

The King of men (desirous to unfold

οἴμης τῆς τότʼ ἄρα κλέος οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἵκανε,

The war's perplex'd end, and being therefore gone

νεῖκος Ὀδυσσῆος καὶ Πηλεΐδεω Ἀχιλῆος,

In heav'nly Pythia to the porch of stone,)

ὥς ποτε δηρίσαντο θεῶν ἐν δαιτὶ θαλείῃ

That then the end of all griefs should begin

ἐκπάγλοις ἐπέεσσιν, ἄναξ δʼ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

'Twixt Greece and Troy, when Greece (with strife to win

χαῖρε νόῳ, ὅ τʼ ἄριστοι Ἀχαιῶν δηριόωντο.

That wish'd conclusion) in her kings should jar,

ὣς γάρ οἱ χρείων μυθήσατο Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων

And plead, if force or wit must end the war.

Πυθοῖ ἐν ἠγαθέῃ, ὅθʼ ὑπέρβη λάινον οὐδὸν

This brave Contention did the poet sing,

χρησόμενος· τότε γάρ ῥα κυλίνδετο πήματος ἀρχὴ

Expressing so the spleen of either king,

Τρωσί τε καὶ Δαναοῖσι Διὸς μεγάλου διὰ βουλάς.

That his large purple weed Ulysses held

ταῦτʼ ἄρʼ ἀοιδὸς ἄειδε περικλυτός· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Before his face and eyes, since thence distill'd

πορφύρεον μέγα φᾶρος ἑλὼν χερσὶ στιβαρῇσι

Tears uncontain'd; which he obscur'd, in fear

κὰκ κεφαλῆς εἴρυσσε, κάλυψε δὲ καλὰ πρόσωπα·

To let th' observing presence note a tear.

αἴδετο γὰρ Φαίηκας ὑπʼ ὀφρύσι δάκρυα λείβων.

But, when his sacred song the mere divine

ἦ τοι ὅτε λήξειεν ἀείδων θεῖος ἀοιδός,

Had giv'n an end, a goblet crown'd with wine

δάκρυ ὀμορξάμενος κεφαλῆς ἄπο φᾶρος ἕλεσκε

Ulysses, drying his wet eyes, did seize,

καὶ δέπας ἀμφικύπελλον ἑλὼν σπείσασκε θεοῖσιν·

And sacrific'd to those Gods that would please

αὐτὰρ ὅτʼ ἂψ ἄρχοιτο καὶ ὀτρύνειαν ἀείδειν

T' inspire the poet with a song so fit

Φαιήκων οἱ ἄριστοι, ἐπεὶ τέρποντʼ ἐπέεσσιν,

To do him honour, and renown his wit.

ἂψ Ὀδυσεὺς κατὰ κρᾶτα καλυψάμενος γοάασκεν.

His tears then stay'd. But when again began,

ἔνθʼ ἄλλους μὲν πάντας ἐλάνθανε δάκρυα λείβων,

By all the kings' desires, the moving man,

Ἀλκίνοος δέ μιν οἶος ἐπεφράσατʼ ἠδʼ ἐνόησεν

Again Ulysses could not choose but yield

ἥμενος ἄγχʼ αὐτοῦ, βαρὺ δὲ στενάχοντος ἄκουσεν.

To that soft passion, which again, withheld,

αἶψα δὲ Φαιήκεσσι φιληρέτμοισι μετηύδα·

He kept so cunningly from sight, that none,

κέκλυτε, Φαιήκων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες.

Except Alcinous himself alone,

ἤδη μὲν δαιτὸς κεκορήμεθα θυμὸν ἐίσης

Discern'd him mov'd so much. But he sat next,

φόρμιγγός θʼ, ἣ δαιτὶ συνήορός ἐστι θαλείῃ·

And heard him deeply sigh; which his pretext

νῦν δʼ ἐξέλθωμεν καὶ ἀέθλων πειρηθῶμεν

Could not keep hid from him. Yet he conceal'd

πάντων, ὥς χʼ ὁ ξεῖνος ἐνίσπῃ οἷσι φίλοισιν

His utt'rance of it, and would have it held

οἴκαδε νοστήσας, ὅσσον περιγιγνόμεθʼ ἄλλων

From all the rest, brake off the song, and this

πύξ τε παλαιμοσύνῃ τε καὶ ἅλμασιν ἠδὲ πόδεσσιν.

Said to those oar-affecting peers of his:

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἡγήσατο, τοὶ δʼ ἅμʼ ἕποντο.

"Princes, and peers! We now are satiate

κὰδ δʼ ἐκ πασσαλόφι κρέμασεν φόρμιγγα λίγειαν,

With sacred song that fits a feast of state,

Δημοδόκου δʼ ἕλε χεῖρα καὶ ἔξαγεν ἐκ μεγάροιο

With wine and food. Now then to field, and try

κῆρυξ· ἦρχε δὲ τῷ αὐτὴν ὁδὸν ἥν περ οἱ ἄλλοι

In all kinds our approv'd activity,

Φαιήκων οἱ ἄριστοι, ἀέθλια θαυμανέοντες.

That this our guest may give his friends to know,

βὰν δʼ ἴμεν εἰς ἀγορήν, ἅμα δʼ ἕσπετο πουλὺς ὅμιλος,

In his return, that we as little owe

μυρίοι· ἂν δʼ ἵσταντο νέοι πολλοί τε καὶ ἐσθλοί.

To fights and wrastlings, leaping, speed-of race,

ὦρτο μὲν Ἀκρόνεώς τε καὶ Ὠκύαλος καὶ Ἐλατρεύς,

As these our court-rites; and commend our grace

Ναυτεύς τε Πρυμνεύς τε καὶ Ἀγχίαλος καὶ Ἐρετμεύς,

In all to all superior." Forth he led,

Ποντεύς τε Πρωρεύς τε, Θόων Ἀναβησίνεώς τε

The peers and people troop'd up to their head.

Ἀμφίαλός θʼ, υἱὸς Πολυνήου Τεκτονίδαο·

Nor must Demodocus be left within;

ἂν δὲ καὶ Εὐρύαλος, βροτολοιγῷ ἶσος Ἄρηϊ,

Whose harp the herald hung upon the pin,

Ναυβολίδης, ὃς ἄριστος ἔην εἶδός τε δέμας τε

His hand in his took, and abroad he brought

πάντων Φαιήκων μετʼ ἀμύμονα Λαοδάμαντα.

The heav'nly poet, out the same way wrought

ἂν δʼ ἔσταν τρεῖς παῖδες ἀμύμονος Ἀλκινόοιο,

That did the princes, and what they would see

Λαοδάμας θʼ Ἅλιός τε καὶ ἀντίθεος Κλυτόνηος.

With admiration, with his company

οἱ δʼ ἦ τοι πρῶτον μὲν ἐπειρήσαντο πόδεσσι.

They wish'd to honour. To the place of game

τοῖσι δʼ ἀπὸ νύσσης τέτατο δρόμος· οἱ δʼ ἅμα πάντες

These throng'd; and after routs of other came,

καρπαλίμως ἐπέτοντο κονίοντες πεδίοιο·

Of all sort, infinite. Of youths that strove,

τῶν δὲ θέειν ὄχʼ ἄριστος ἔην Κλυτόνηος ἀμύμων·

Many and strong rose to their trial's love.

ὅσσον τʼ ἐν νειῷ οὖρον πέλει ἡμιόνοιιν,

Up rose Acroneus, and Ocyalus,

τόσσον ὑπεκπροθέων λαοὺς ἵκεθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἐλίποντο.

Elatreus, Prymneus, and Anchialus,

οἱ δὲ παλαιμοσύνης ἀλεγεινῆς πειρήσαντο·

Nauteus, Eretmeus, Thoen, Proreüs,

τῇ δʼ αὖτʼ Εὐρύαλος ἀπεκαίνυτο πάντας ἀρίστους.

Pontëus, and the strong Amphialus

ἅλματι δʼ Ἀμφίαλος πάντων προφερέστατος ἦεν·

Son to Tectonides Polyneüs.

δίσκῳ δʼ αὖ πάντων πολὺ φέρτατος ἦεν Ἐλατρεύς,

Up rose to these the great Euryalus,

πὺξ δʼ αὖ Λαοδάμας, ἀγαθὸς πάϊς Ἀλκινόοιο.

In action like the Homicide of War.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ πάντες ἐτέρφθησαν φρένʼ ἀέθλοις,

Naubolides, that was for person far

τοῖς ἄρα Λαοδάμας μετέφη πάϊς Ἀλκινόοιο·

Past all the rest, but one he could not pass,

δεῦτε, φίλοι, τὸν ξεῖνον ἐρώμεθα εἴ τινʼ ἄεθλον

Nor any thought improve, Laodamas.

οἶδέ τε καὶ δεδάηκε. φυήν γε μὲν οὐ κακός ἐστι,

Up Anabesinëus then arose;

μηρούς τε κνήμας τε καὶ ἄμφω χεῖρας ὕπερθεν

And three sons of the Sceptre-state, and those

αὐχένα τε στιβαρὸν μέγα τε σθένος· οὐδέ τι ἥβης

Were Halius, the fore-prais'd Laodamas,

δεύεται, ἀλλὰ κακοῖσι συνέρρηκται πολέεσσιν·

And Clytonëus like a God in grace.

οὐ γὰρ ἐγώ γέ τί φημι κακώτερον ἄλλο θαλάσσης

These first the foot-game tried, and from the lists

ἄνδρα γε συγχεῦαι, εἰ καὶ μάλα καρτερὸς εἴη.

Took start together. Up the dust in mists

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Εὐρύαλος ἀπαμείβετο φώνησέν τε·

They hurl'd about, as in their speed they flew;

Λαοδάμα, μάλα τοῦτο ἔπος κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες.

But Clytonëus first of all the crew

αὐτὸς νῦν προκάλεσσαι ἰὼν καὶ πέφραδε μῦθον.

A stitch's length in any fallow field

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ τό γʼ ἄκουσʼ ἀγαθὸς πάϊς Ἀλκινόοιο,

Made good his pace; when, where the judges yield

στῆ ῥʼ ἐς μέσσον ἰὼν καὶ Ὀδυσσῆα προσέειπε·

The prize and praise, his glorious speed arriv'd.

δεῦρʼ ἄγε καὶ σύ, ξεῖνε πάτερ, πείρησαι ἀέθλων,

Next, for the boist'rous wrastling game they striv'd;

εἴ τινά που δεδάηκας· ἔοικε δέ σʼ ἴδμεν ἀέθλους·

At which Euryalus the rest outshone.

At leap Amphialus, At the hollow stone

Elatreüs excell'd. At buffets, last,

Laodamas, the king's fair son, surpast.

When all had striv'd in these assays their fill,

Laodamas said: "Come friends, let's prove what skill

This stranger hath attain'd to in our sport.

Methinks, he must be of the active sort,

His calves, thighs, hands, and well-knit shoulders show

That Nature disposition did bestow

To fit with fact their form. Nor wants he prime.

But sour affliction, made a mate with time,

Makes time the more seen. Nor imagine I,

A worse thing to enforce debility

Than is the sea, though nature ne'er so strong

Knits one together." "Nor conceive you wrong,"

Replied Euryalus, "but prove his blood

With what you question." In the midst then stood

Renown'd Laodamas, and prov'd him thus:

"Come, stranger-father, and assay with us

Your pow'rs in these contentions. If your show

Be answer'd with your worth, 'tis fit that you

Should know these conflicts. Nor doth glory stand

On any worth more, in a man's command,

Than to be strenuous both of foot and hand.

Come then, make proof with us, discharge your mind

Of discontentments; for not far behind

Comes your deduction, ship is ready now,

And men, and all things." "Why," said he, "dost thou

Mock me, Laodamas, and these strifes bind

οὐ μὲν γὰρ μεῖζον κλέος ἀνέρος ὄφρα κʼ ἔῃσιν,

My pow'rs to answer? I am more inclin'd

ἤ ὅ τι ποσσίν τε ῥέξῃ καὶ χερσὶν ἑῇσιν.

To cares than conflict. Much sustain'd I have,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε πείρησαι, σκέδασον δʼ ἀπὸ κήδεα θυμοῦ.

And still am suff'ring. I come here to crave,

σοὶ δʼ ὁδὸς οὐκέτι δηρὸν ἀπέσσεται, ἀλλά τοι ἤδη

In your assemblies, means to be dismist,

νηῦς τε κατείρυσται καὶ ἐπαρτέες εἰσὶν ἑταῖροι.

And pray both kings and subjects to assist."

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Euryalus an open brawl began,

Λαοδάμα, τί με ταῦτα κελεύετε κερτομέοντες;

And said: "I take you, sir, for no such man

κήδεά μοι καὶ μᾶλλον ἐνὶ φρεσὶν ἤ περ ἄεθλοι,

As fits these honour'd strifes. A number more

ὃς πρὶν μὲν μάλα πολλὰ πάθον καὶ πολλὰ μόγησα,

Strange men there are that I would choose before.

νῦν δὲ μεθʼ ὑμετέρῃ ἀγορῇ νόστοιο χατίζων

To one that loves to lie aship-board much,

ἧμαι, λισσόμενος βασιλῆά τε πάντα τε δῆμον.

Or is the prince of sailors; or to such

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Εὐρύαλος ἀπαμείβετο νείκεσέ τʼ ἄντην·

As traffic far and near, and nothing mind

οὐ γάρ σʼ οὐδέ, ξεῖνε, δαήμονι φωτὶ ἐίσκω

But freight, and passage, and a foreright wind;

ἄθλων, οἷά τε πολλὰ μετʼ ἀνθρώποισι πέλονται,

Or to a victualler of a ship; or men

ἀλλὰ τῷ, ὅς θʼ ἅμα νηὶ πολυκλήιδι θαμίζων,

That set up all their pow'rs for rampant gain;

ἀρχὸς ναυτάων οἵ τε πρηκτῆρες ἔασιν,

I can compare, or hold you like to be:

φόρτου τε μνήμων καὶ ἐπίσκοπος ᾖσιν ὁδαίων

But, for a wrastler, or of quality

κερδέων θʼ ἁρπαλέων· οὐδʼ ἀθλητῆρι ἔοικας.

Fit for contentions noble, you abhor

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

From worth of any such competitor."

ξεῖνʼ, οὐ καλὸν ἔειπες· ἀτασθάλῳ ἀνδρὶ ἔοικας.

Ulysses, frowning, answer'd: "Stranger, far

οὕτως οὐ πάντεσσι θεοὶ χαρίεντα διδοῦσιν

Thy words are from the fashions regular

ἀνδράσιν, οὔτε φυὴν οὔτʼ ἂρ φρένας οὔτʼ ἀγορητύν.

Of kind, or honour. Thou art in thy guise

ἄλλος μὲν γάρ τʼ εἶδος ἀκιδνότερος πέλει ἀνήρ,

Like to a man that authors injuries.

ἀλλὰ θεὸς μορφὴν ἔπεσι στέφει, οἱ δέ τʼ ἐς αὐτὸν

I see, the Gods to all men give not all

τερπόμενοι λεύσσουσιν· ὁ δʼ ἀσφαλέως ἀγορεύει

Manly addiction, wisdom, words that fall,

αἰδοῖ μειλιχίῃ, μετὰ δὲ πρέπει ἀγρομένοισιν,

Like dice, upon the square still. Some man takes

ἐρχόμενον δʼ ἀνὰ ἄστυ θεὸν ὣς εἰσορόωσιν.

Ill form from parents, but God often makes

ἄλλος δʼ αὖ εἶδος μὲν ἀλίγκιος ἀθανάτοισιν,

That fault of form up with observ'd repair

ἀλλʼ οὔ οἱ χάρις ἀμφιπεριστέφεται ἐπέεσσιν,

Of pleasing speech, that makes him held for fair,

ὡς καὶ σοὶ εἶδος μὲν ἀριπρεπές, οὐδέ κεν ἄλλως

That makes him speak securely, makes him shine

οὐδὲ θεὸς τεύξειε, νόον δʼ ἀποφώλιός ἐσσι.

In an assembly with a grace divine.

ὤρινάς μοι θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φίλοισιν

Men take delight to see how ev'nly lie

εἰπὼν οὐ κατὰ κόσμον. ἐγὼ δʼ οὐ νῆις ἀέθλων,

His words asteep in honey modesty.

ὡς σύ γε μυθεῖαι, ἀλλʼ ἐν πρώτοισιν ὀίω

Another, then, hath fashion like a God,

ἔμμεναι, ὄφρʼ ἥβῃ τε πεποίθεα χερσί τʼ ἐμῇσι.

But in his language he is foul and broad.

νῦν δʼ ἔχομαι κακότητι καὶ ἄλγεσι· πολλὰ γὰρ ἔτλην

And such art thou. A person fair is giv'n,

ἀνδρῶν τε πτολέμους ἀλεγεινά τε κύματα πείρων.

But nothing else is in thee sent from heav'n;

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὥς, κακὰ πολλὰ παθών, πειρήσομʼ ἀέθλων·

For in thee lurks a base and earthy soul,

θυμοδακὴς γὰρ μῦθος, ἐπώτρυνας δέ με εἰπών.

And t' hast compell'd me, with a speech most foul,

ἦ ῥα καὶ αὐτῷ φάρει ἀναΐξας λάβε δίσκον

To be thus bitter. I am not unseen

μείζονα καὶ πάχετον, στιβαρώτερον οὐκ ὀλίγον περ

In these fair strifes, as thy words overween,

ἢ οἵῳ Φαίηκες ἐδίσκεον ἀλλήλοισι.

But in the first rank of the best I stand;

τόν ῥα περιστρέψας ἧκε στιβαρῆς ἀπὸ χειρός,

At least I did, when youth and strength of hand

βόμβησεν δὲ λίθος· κατὰ δʼ ἔπτηξαν ποτὶ γαίῃ

Made me thus confident, but now am worn

Φαίηκες δολιχήρετμοι, ναυσίκλυτοι ἄνδρες,

With woes and labours, as a human born

λᾶος ὑπὸ ῥιπῆς· ὁ δʼ ὑπέρπτατο σήματα πάντων

To bear all anguish. Suffer'd much I have.

ῥίμφα θέων ἀπὸ χειρός. ἔθηκε δὲ τέρματʼ Ἀθήνη

The war of men, and the inhuman wave,

ἀνδρὶ δέμας ἐικυῖα, ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

Have I driv'n through at all parts. But with all

καί κʼ ἀλαός τοι, ξεῖνε, διακρίνειε τὸ σῆμα

My waste in suff'rance, what yet may fall

ἀμφαφόων, ἐπεὶ οὔ τι μεμιγμένον ἐστὶν ὁμίλῳ,

In my performance, at these strifes I'll try.

ἀλλὰ πολὺ πρῶτον. σὺ δὲ θάρσει τόνδε γʼ ἄεθλον·

Thy speech hath mov'd, and made my wrath run high."

οὔ τις Φαιήκων τόδε γʼ ἵξεται, οὐδʼ ὑπερήσει.

This said, with robe and all, he grasp'd a stone,

ὣς φάτο, γήθησεν δὲ πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

A little graver than was ever thrown

χαὶρων, οὕνεχʼ ἑταῖρον ἐνηέα λεῦσσʼ ἐν ἀγῶνι.

By these Phæacians in their wrastling rout,

καὶ τότε κουφότερον μετεφώνεε Φαιήκεσσιν·

More firm, more massy; which, turn'd round about,

τοῦτον νῦν ἀφίκεσθε, νέοι. τάχα δʼ ὕστερον ἄλλον

He hurried from him with a hand so strong

ἥσειν ἢ τοσσοῦτον ὀίομαι ἢ ἔτι μᾶσσον.

It sung, and flew, and over all the throng,

τῶν δʼ ἄλλων ὅτινα κραδίη θυμός τε κελεύει,

That at the others' marks stood, quite it went;

δεῦρʼ ἄγε πειρηθήτω, ἐπεί μʼ ἐχολώσατε λίην,

Yet down fell all beneath it, fearing spent

ἢ πὺξ ἠὲ πάλῃ ἢ καὶ ποσίν, οὔ τι μεγαίρω,

The force that drave it flying from his hand,

πάντων Φαιήκων, πλήν γʼ αὐτοῦ Λαοδάμαντος.

As it a dart were, or a walking wand;

ξεῖνος γάρ μοι ὅδʼ ἐστί· τίς ἂν φιλέοντι μάχοιτο;

And far past all the marks of all the rest

ἄφρων δὴ κεῖνός γε καὶ οὐτιδανὸς πέλει ἀνήρ,

His wing stole way; when Pallas straight imprest

ὅς τις ξεινοδόκῳ ἔριδα προφέρηται ἀέθλων

A mark at fall of it, resembling then

δήμῳ ἐν ἀλλοδαπῷ· ἕο δʼ αὐτοῦ πάντα κολούει.

One of the navy-giv'n Phæacian men,

τῶν δʼ ἄλλων οὔ πέρ τινʼ ἀναίνομαι οὐδʼ ἀθερίζω,

And thus advanc'd Ulysses: "One, though blind,

ἀλλʼ ἐθέλω ἴδμεν καὶ πειρηθήμεναι ἄντην.

O stranger, groping, may thy stone's fall find,

πάντα γὰρ οὐ κακός εἰμι, μετʼ ἀνδράσιν ὅσσοι ἄεθλοι·

For not amidst the rout of marks it fell,

εὖ μὲν τόξον οἶδα ἐύξοον ἀμφαφάασθαι·

But far before all. Of thy worth think well,

πρῶτός κʼ ἄνδρα βάλοιμι ὀιστεύσας ἐν ὁμίλῳ

And stand in all strifes. No Phæacian here

ἀνδρῶν δυσμενέων, εἰ καὶ μάλα πολλοὶ ἑταῖροι

This bound can either better or come near."

ἄγχι παρασταῖεν καὶ τοξαζοίατο φωτῶν.

Ulysses joy'd to hear that one man yet

οἶος δή με Φιλοκτήτης ἀπεκαίνυτο τόξῳ

Us'd him benignly, and would truth abet

In those contentions; and then thus smooth

He took his speech down: "Reach me that now, youth,

You shall, and straight I think, have one such more,

And one beyond it too. And now, whose core

Stands sound and great within him, since ye have

Thus put my spleen up, come again and brave

The guest ye tempted, with such gross disgrace,

At wrastling, buffets, whirlbat, speed o' race;

At all, or either, I except at none,

But urge the whole state of you; only one,

I will not challenge in my forced boast,

And that's Laodamas, for he's mine host.

And who will fight, or wrangle, with his friend?

Unwise he is, and base, that will contend

With him that feeds him in a foreign place;

And takes all edge off from his own sought grace.

None else except I here, nor none despise,

But wish to know, and prove his faculties,

That dares appear now. No strife ye can name

Am I unskill'd in; reckon any game

Of all that are, as many as there are

In use with men. For archery I dare

Affirm myself not mean. Of all a troop

I'll make the first foe with mine arrow stoop,

Though with me ne'er so many fellows bend

Their bows at mark'd men, and affect their end.

Only was Philoctetes with his bow

Still my superior, when we Greeks would show

Our archery against our foes of Troy.

δήμῳ ἔνι Τρώων, ὅτε τοξαζοίμεθʼ Ἀχαιοί.

But all, that now by bread frail life enjoy,

τῶν δʼ ἄλλων ἐμέ φημι πολὺ προφερέστερον εἶναι,

I far hold my inferiors. Men of old,

ὅσσοι νῦν βροτοί εἰσιν ἐπὶ χθονὶ σῖτον ἔδοντες.

None now alive shall witness me so bold,

ἀνδράσι δὲ προτέροισιν ἐριζέμεν οὐκ ἐθελήσω,

To vaunt equality with, such men as these,

οὔθʼ Ἡρακλῆι οὔτʼ Εὐρύτῳ Οιχαλιῆι,

Œchalián Eurytus, Hercules,

οἵ ῥα καὶ ἀθανάτοισιν ἐρίζεσκον περὶ τόξων.

Who with their bows durst with the Gods contend;

τῷ ῥα καὶ αἶψʼ ἔθανεν μέγας Εὔρυτος, οὐδʼ ἐπὶ γῆρας

And therefore caught Eurytus soon his end,

ἵκετʼ ἐνὶ μεγάροισι· χολωσάμενος γὰρ Ἀπόλλων

Nor died at home, in age, a rev'rend man.

ἔκτανεν, οὕνεκά μιν προκαλίζετο τοξάζεσθαι.

But by the great incenséd Delphian

δουρὶ δʼ ἀκοντίζω ὅσον οὐκ ἄλλος τις ὀιστῷ.

Was shot to death, for daring competence

οἴοισιν δείδοικα ποσὶν μή τίς με παρέλθῃ

With him in all an archer's excellence.

Φαιήκων· λίην γὰρ ἀεικελίως ἐδαμάσθην

A spear I'll hurl as far as any man

κύμασιν ἐν πολλοῖς, ἐπεὶ οὐ κομιδὴ κατὰ νῆα

Shall shoot a shaft. How at a race I can

ἦεν ἐπηετανός· τῷ μοι φίλα γυῖα λέλυνται.

Bestir my feet, I only yield to fear,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ.

And doubt to meet with my superior here.

Ἀλκίνοος δέ μιν οἶος ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπεν·

So many seas so too much have misus'd

ξεῖνʼ, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἀχάριστα μεθʼ ἡμῖν ταῦτʼ ἀγορεύεις,

My limbs for race, and therefore have diffus'd

ἀλλʼ ἐθέλεις ἀρετὴν σὴν φαινέμεν, ἥ τοι ὀπηδεῖ,

A dissolution through my lovéd knees."

χωόμενος ὅτι σʼ οὗτος ἀνὴρ ἐν ἀγῶνι παραστὰς

This said, he still'd all talking properties.

νείκεσεν, ὡς ἂν σὴν ἀρετὴν βροτὸς οὔ τις ὄνοιτο,

Alcinous only answer'd: "O my guest,

ὅς τις ἐπίσταιτο ᾗσι φρεσὶν ἄρτια βάζειν·

In good part take we what you have been prest

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν ἐμέθεν ξυνίει ἔπος, ὄφρα καὶ ἄλλῳ

With speech to answer. You would make appear

εἴπῃς ἡρώων, ὅτε κεν σοῖς ἐν μεγάροισι

Your virtues therefore, that will still shine where

δαινύῃ παρὰ σῇ τʼ ἀλόχῳ καὶ σοῖσι τέκεσσιν,

Your only look is. Yet must this man give

ἡμετέρης ἀρετῆς μεμνημένος, οἷα καὶ ἡμῖν

Your worth ill language; when, he does not live

Ζεὺς ἐπὶ ἔργα τίθησι διαμπερὲς ἐξ ἔτι πατρῶν.

In sort of mortals (whencesoe'er he springs,

οὐ γὰρ πυγμάχοι εἰμὲν ἀμύμονες οὐδὲ παλαισταί,

That judgment hath to speak becoming things)

ἀλλὰ ποσὶ κραιπνῶς θέομεν καὶ νηυσὶν ἄριστοι,

That will deprave your virtues. Note then now

αἰεὶ δʼ ἡμῖν δαίς τε φίλη κίθαρις τε χοροί τε

My speech, and what my love presents to you,

εἵματά τʼ ἐξημοιβὰ λοετρά τε θερμὰ καὶ εὐναί.

That you may tell heroës, when you come

ἀλλʼ ἄγε, Φαιήκων βητάρμονες ὅσσοι ἄριστοι,

To banquet with your wife and birth at home,

παίσατε, ὥς χʼ ὁ ξεῖνος ἐνίσπῃ οἷσι φίλοισιν

(Mindful of our worth) what deservings Jove

οἴκαδε νοστήσας, ὅσσον περιγιγνόμεθʼ ἄλλων

Hath put on our parts likewise, in remove

ναυτιλίῃ καὶ ποσσὶ καὶ ὀρχηστυῖ καὶ ἀοιδῇ.

From sire to son, as an inherent grace

Δημοδόκῳ δέ τις αἶψα κιὼν φόρμιγγα λίγειαν

Kind, and perpetual. We must needs give place

οἰσέτω, ἥ που κεῖται ἐν ἡμετέροισι δόμοισιν.

To other countrymen, and freely yield

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀλκίνοος θεοείκελος, ὦρτο δὲ κῆρυξ

We are not blameless in our fights of field,

οἴσων φόρμιγγα γλαφυρὴν δόμου ἐκ βασιλῆος.

Buffets, nor wrastlings; but in speed of feet,

αἰσυμνῆται δὲ κριτοὶ ἐννέα πάντες ἀνέσταν

And all the equipage that fits a fleet,

δήμιοι, οἳ κατʼ ἀγῶνας ἐὺ πρήσσεσκον ἕκαστα,

We boast us best; for table ever spread

λείηναν δὲ χορόν, καλὸν δʼ εὔρυναν ἀγῶνα.

With neighbour feasts, for garments varied,

κῆρυξ δʼ ἐγγύθεν ἦλθε φέρων φόρμιγγα λίγειαν

For poesy, music, dancing, baths, and beds.

Δημοδόκῳ· ὁ δʼ ἔπειτα κίʼ ἐς μέσον· ἀμφὶ δὲ κοῦροι

And now, Phæacians, you that bear your heads

πρωθῆβαι ἵσταντο, δαήμονες ὀρχηθμοῖο,

And feet with best grace in enamouring dance,

πέπληγον δὲ χορὸν θεῖον ποσίν. αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Enflame our guest here, that he may advance

μαρμαρυγὰς θηεῖτο ποδῶν, θαύμαζε δὲ θυμῷ.

Our worth past all the world's to his home-friends,

αὐτὰρ ὁ φορμίζων ἀνεβάλλετο καλὸν ἀείδειν

As well for the unmatch'd grace that commends.

ἀμφʼ Ἄρεος φιλότητος εὐστεφάνου τʼ Ἀφροδίτης,

Your skill in footing of a dance, as theirs

ὡς τὰ πρῶτα μίγησαν ἐν Ἡφαίστοιο δόμοισι

That fly a race best. And so, all affairs,

λάθρῃ, πολλὰ δʼ ἔδωκε, λέχος δʼ ᾔσχυνε καὶ εὐνὴν

At which we boast us best, he best may try,

Ἡφαίστοιο ἄνακτος. ἄφαρ δέ οἱ ἄγγελος ἦλθεν

As sea-race, land-race, dance, and poesy.

Ἥλιος, ὅ σφʼ ἐνόησε μιγαζομένους φιλότητι.

Some one with instant speed to court retire,

Ἥφαιστος δʼ ὡς οὖν θυμαλγέα μῦθον ἄκουσε,

And fetch Demodocus's soundful lyre."

βῆ ῥʼ ἴμεν ἐς χαλκεῶνα κακὰ φρεσὶ βυσσοδομεύων,

This said the God-grac'd king; and quick resort

ἐν δʼ ἔθετʼ ἀκμοθέτῳ μέγαν ἄκμονα, κόπτε δὲ δεσμοὺς

Pontonous made for that fair harp to court.

ἀρρήκτους ἀλύτους, ὄφρʼ ἔμπεδον αὖθι μένοιεν.

Nine of the lot-choos'd public rulers rose,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ τεῦξε δόλον κεχολωμένος Ἄρει,

That all in those contentions did dispose,

βῆ ῥʼ ἴμεν ἐς θάλαμον, ὅθι οἱ φίλα δέμνιʼ ἔκειτο,

Commanding a most smooth ground, and a wide,

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ἑρμῖσιν χέε δέσματα κύκλῳ ἁπάντῃ·

And all the people in fair game aside.

πολλὰ δὲ καὶ καθύπερθε μελαθρόφιν ἐξεκέχυντο,

Then with the rich harp came Pontonous,

ἠύτʼ ἀράχνια λεπτά, τά γʼ οὔ κέ τις οὐδὲ ἴδοιτο,

And in the midst took place Demodocus.

οὐδὲ θεῶν μακάρων· πέρι γὰρ δολόεντα τέτυκτο.

About him then stood forth the choice young men,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ πάντα δόλον περὶ δέμνια χεῦεν,

That on man's first youth made fresh entry then,

εἴσατʼ ἴμεν ἐς Λῆμνον, ἐυκτίμενον πτολίεθρον,

Had art to make their natural motion sweet,

ἥ οἱ γαιάων πολὺ φιλτάτη ἐστὶν ἁπασέων.

And shook a most divine dance from their feet,

οὐδʼ ἀλαοσκοπιὴν εἶχε χρυσήνιος Ἄρης,

That twinkled star-like, mov'd as swift, and fine,

ὡς ἴδεν Ἥφαιστον κλυτοτέχνην νόσφι κιόντα·

And beat the air so thin, they made it shine.

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι πρὸς δῶμα περικλυτοῦ Ἡφαίστοιο

Ulysses wonder'd at it, but amaz'd

ἰσχανόων φιλότητος ἐυστεφάνου Κυθερείης.

He stood in mind to hear the dance so phras'd.

ἡ δὲ νέον παρὰ πατρὸς ἐρισθενέος Κρονίωνος

For, as they danc'd, Demodocus did sing,

ἐρχομένη κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζεθʼ· ὁ δʼ εἴσω δώματος ᾔει,

The bright-crown'd Venus' love with Battle's King;

ἔν τʼ ἄρα οἱ φῦ χειρί, ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

As first they closely mix'd in th' house of fire.

δεῦρο, φίλη, λέκτρονδε τραπείομεν εὐνηθέντες·

What worlds of gifts won her to his desire,

οὐ γὰρ ἔθʼ Ἥφαιστος μεταδήμιος, ἀλλά που ἤδη

Who then the night-and-day-bed did defile

Of good king Vulcan. But in little while

The Sun their mixture saw, and came and told.

The bitter news did by his ears take hold

Of Vulcan's heart. Then to his forge he went,

And in his shrewd mind deep stuff did invent.

His mighty anvil in the stock he put,

And forg'd a net that none could loose or cut,

That when it had them it might hold them fast.

Which having finish'd, he made utmost haste

Up to the dear room where his wife he woo'd,

And, madly wrath with Mars, he all bestrow'd

The bed, and bed-posts, all the beam above

That cross'd the chamber; and a circle strove

Of his device to wrap in all the room.

And 'twas as pure, as of a spider's loom

The woof before 'tis wov'n. No man nor God

Could set his eye on it, a sleight so odd

His art show'd in it. All his craft bespent

About the bed, he feign'd as if he went

To well-built Lemnos, his most lovéd town

Of all towns earthly; nor left this unknown

To golden-bridle-using Mars, who kept

No blind watch over him, but, seeing stept

His rival so aside, he hasted home

With fair-wreath'd Venus' love stung, who was come

New from the court of her most mighty Sire.

Mars enter'd, wrung her hand, and the retire

Her husband made to Lemnos told, and said;

οἴχεται ἐς Λῆμνον μετὰ Σίντιας ἀγριοφώνους.

"Now, love, is Vulcan gone, let us to bed,

ὣς φάτο, τῇ δʼ ἀσπαστὸν ἐείσατο κοιμηθῆναι.

He's for the barbarous Sintians." Well appay'd

τὼ δʼ ἐς δέμνια βάντε κατέδραθον· ἀμφὶ δὲ δεσμοὶ

Was Venus with it; and afresh assay'd

τεχνήεντες ἔχυντο πολύφρονος Ἡφαίστοιο,

Their old encounter. Down they went; and straight

οὐδέ τι κινῆσαι μελέων ἦν οὐδʼ ἀναεῖραι.

About them cling'd the artificial sleight

καὶ τότε δὴ γίγνωσκον, ὅ τʼ οὐκέτι φυκτὰ πέλοντο.

Of most wise Vulcan; and were so ensnar'd,

ἀγχίμολον δέ σφʼ ἦλθε περικλυτὸς ἀμφιγυήεις,

That neither they could stir their course prepar'd

αὖτις ὑποστρέψας πρὶν Λήμνου γαῖαν ἱκέσθαι·

In any limb about them, nor arise.

Ἠέλιος γάρ οἱ σκοπιὴν ἔχεν εἶπέ τε μῦθον.

And then they knew, they would no more disguise

βῆ δʼ ἴμεναι πρὸς δῶμα φίλον τετιημένος ἦτορ·

Their close conveyance, but lay, forc'd, stone-still.

ἔστη δʼ ἐν προθύροισι, χόλος δέ μιν ἄγριος ᾕρει·

Back rush'd the both-foot-cook'd, but straight in skill,

σμερδαλέον δʼ ἐβόησε, γέγωνέ τε πᾶσι θεοῖσιν·

From his near scout-hole turn'd, nor ever went

Ζεῦ πάτερ ἠδʼ ἄλλοι μάκαρες θεοὶ αἰὲν ἐόντες,

To any Lemnos, but the sure event

δεῦθʼ, ἵνα ἔργα γελαστὰ καὶ οὐκ ἐπιεικτὰ ἴδησθε,

Left Phœbus to discover, who told all.

ὡς ἐμὲ χωλὸν ἐόντα Διὸς θυγάτηρ Ἀφροδίτη

Then home hopp'd Vulcan, full of grief and gall,

αἰὲν ἀτιμάζει, φιλέει δʼ ἀίδηλον Ἄρηα,

Stood in the portal, and cried out so high,

οὕνεχʼ ὁ μὲν καλός τε καὶ ἀρτίπος, αὐτὰρ ἐγώ γε

That all the Gods heard; "Father of the sky,

ἠπεδανὸς γενόμην. ἀτὰρ οὔ τί μοι αἴτιος ἄλλος,

And ev'ry other deathless God," said he,

ἀλλὰ τοκῆε δύω, τὼ μὴ γείνασθαι ὄφελλον.

"Come all, and a ridiculous object see,

ἀλλʼ ὄψεσθʼ, ἵνα τώ γε καθεύδετον ἐν φιλότητι

And yet not sufferable neither. Come,

εἰς ἐμὰ δέμνια βάντες, ἐγὼ δʼ ὁρόων ἀκάχημαι.

And witness how, when still I step from home,

οὐ μέν σφεας ἔτʼ ἔολπα μίνυνθά γε κειέμεν οὕτως

Lame that I am, Jove's daughter doth profess

καὶ μάλα περ φιλέοντε· τάχʼ οὐκ ἐθελήσετον ἄμφω

To do me all the shameful offices,

εὕδειν· ἀλλά σφωε δόλος καὶ δεσμὸς ἐρύξει,

Indignities, despites, that can be thought;

εἰς ὅ κέ μοι μάλα πάντα πατὴρ ἀποδῷσιν ἔεδνα,

And loves this all-things-making-come-to-nought,

ὅσσα οἱ ἐγγυάλιξα κυνώπιδος εἵνεκα κούρης,

Since he is fair forsooth, foot-sound, and I

οὕνεκά οἱ καλὴ θυγάτηρ, ἀτὰρ οὐκ ἐχέθυμος.

Took in my brain a little, legg'd awry.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἀγέροντο θεοὶ ποτὶ χαλκοβατὲς δῶ·

And no fault mine, but all my parent's fault,

ἦλθε Ποσειδάων γαιήοχος, ἦλθʼ ἐριούνης

Who should not get, if mock me, with my halt.

Ἑρμείας, ἦλθεν δὲ ἄναξ ἑκάεργος Ἀπόλλων.

But see how fast they sleep, while I, in moan,

θηλύτεραι δὲ θεαὶ μένον αἰδοῖ οἴκοι ἑκάστη.

Am only made an idle looker on.

ἔσταν δʼ ἐν προθύροισι θεοί, δωτῆρες ἑάων·

One bed their turn serves, and it must be mine;

ἄσβεστος δʼ ἄρʼ ἐνῶρτο γέλως μακάρεσσι θεοῖσι

I think yet, I have made their self-loves shine.

τέχνας εἰσορόωσι πολύφρονος Ἡφαίστοιο.

They shall no more wrong me, and none perceive;

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν ἐς πλησίον ἄλλον·

Nor will they sleep together, I believe,

οὐκ ἀρετᾷ κακὰ ἔργα· κιχάνει τοι βραδὺς ὠκύν,

With too hot haste again. Thus both shall lie

ὡς καὶ νῦν Ἥφαιστος ἐὼν βραδὺς εἷλεν Ἄρηα

In craft, and force, till the extremity

ὠκύτατόν περ ἐόντα θεῶν οἳ Ὄλυμπον ἔχουσιν,

Of all the dow'r I gave her sire (to gain

χωλὸς ἐὼν τέχνῃσι· τὸ καὶ μοιχάγριʼ ὀφέλλει.

A doggéd set-fac'd girl, that will not stain

ὣς οἱ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον·

Her face with blushing, though she shame her head)

Ἑρμῆν δὲ προσέειπεν ἄναξ Διὸς υἱὸς Ἀπόλλων·

He pays me back. She's fair, but was no maid."

Ἑρμεία, Διὸς υἱέ, διάκτορε, δῶτορ ἑάων,

While this long speech was making, all were come

ἦ ῥά κεν ἐν δεσμοῖς ἐθέλοις κρατεροῖσι πιεσθεὶς

To Vulcan's wholly-brazen-founded home,

εὕδειν ἐν λέκτροισι παρὰ χρυσέῃ Ἀφροδίτῃ;

Earth-shaking Neptune, useful Mercury,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης·

And far-shot Phœbus. No She-Deity,

αἲ γὰρ τοῦτο γένοιτο, ἄναξ ἑκατηβόλʼ Ἄπολλον·

For shame, would show there. All the give-good Gods

δεσμοὶ μὲν τρὶς τόσσοι ἀπείρονες ἀμφὶς ἔχοιεν,

Stood in the portal, and past periods

ὑμεῖς δʼ εἰσορόῳτε θεοὶ πᾶσαί τε θέαιναι,

Gave length to laughters, all rejoic'd to see

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν εὕδοιμι παρὰ χρυσέῃ Ἀφροδίτῃ.

That which they said, that no impiety

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ἐν δὲ γέλως ὦρτʼ ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν.

Finds good success at th' end. "And now," said one,

οὐδὲ Ποσειδάωνα γέλως ἔχε, λίσσετο δʼ αἰεὶ

"The slow outgoes the swift. Lame Vulcan, known

Ἥφαιστον κλυτοεργὸν ὅπως λύσειεν Ἄρηα.

To be the slowest of the Gods, outgoes

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Mars the most swift. And this is that which grows

λῦσον· ἐγὼ δέ τοι αὐτὸν ὑπίσχομαι, ὡς σὺ κελεύεις,

To greatest justice: that adult'ry's sport,

τίσειν αἴσιμα πάντα μετʼ ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν.

Obtain'd by craft, by craft of other sort

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περικλυτὸς ἀμφιγυήεις·

(And lame craft too) is plagued, which grieves the more,

μή με, Ποσείδαον γαιήοχε, ταῦτα κέλευε·

That sound limbs turning lame the lame restore."

δειλαί τοι δειλῶν γε καὶ ἐγγύαι ἐγγυάασθαι.

This speech amongst themselves they entertain'd,

πῶς ἂν ἐγώ σε δέοιμι μετʼ ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν,

When Phœbus thus ask'd Hermes: "Thus enchain'd

εἴ κεν Ἄρης οἴχοιτο χρέος καὶ δεσμὸν ἀλύξας;

Wouldst thou be, Hermes, to be thus disclos'd?

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων·

Though with thee golden Venus were repos'd?"

Ἥφαιστʼ, εἴ περ γάρ κεν Ἄρης χρεῖος ὑπαλύξας

He soon gave that an answer: "O," said he,

οἴχηται φεύγων, αὐτός τοι ἐγὼ τάδε τίσω.

"Thou king of archers, would 'twere thus with me!

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα περικλυτὸς ἀμφιγυήεις·

Though thrice so much shame; nay, though infinite

οὐκ ἔστʼ οὐδὲ ἔοικε τεὸν ἔπος ἀρνήσασθαι.

Were pour'd about me, and that ev'ry light,

ὣς εἰπὼν δεσμὸν ἀνίει μένος Ἡφαίστοιο.

In great heav'n shining, witness'd all my harms,

τὼ δʼ ἐπεὶ ἐκ δεσμοῖο λύθεν, κρατεροῦ περ ἐόντος,

So golden Venus slumber'd in mine arms."

αὐτίκʼ ἀναΐξαντε ὁ μὲν Θρῄκηνδε βεβήκει,

The Gods again laugh'd; even the Watery State

ἡ δʼ ἄρα Κύπρον ἵκανε φιλομμειδὴς Ἀφροδίτη,

Wrung out a laughter, but propitiate

ἐς Πάφον· ἔνθα δέ οἱ τέμενος βωμός τε θυήεις.

Was still for Mars, and pray'd the God of Fire

ἔνθα δέ μιν Χάριτες λοῦσαν καὶ χρῖσαν ἐλαίῳ

He would dissolve him, off'ring the desire

ἀμβρότῳ, οἷα θεοὺς ἐπενήνοθεν αἰὲν ἐόντας,

He made to Jove to pay himself, and said,

ἀμφὶ δὲ εἵματα ἕσσαν ἐπήρατα, θαῦμα ἰδέσθαι.

All due debts should be by the Gods repaid.

"Pay me, no words," said he, "where deeds lend pain,

Wretched the words are giv'n for wretched men.

How shall I bind you in th' Immortals' sight,

If Mars be once loos'd, nor will pay his right?"

"Vulcan," said he, "if Mars should fly, nor see

Thy right repaid, it should be paid by me."

"Your word, so giv'n, I must accept," said he.

Which said, he loos'd them. Mars then rush'd from sky,

And stoop'd cold Thrace. The laughing Deity

For Cyprus was, and took her Paphian state,

Where she a grove, ne'er cut, had consecrate,

All with Arabian odours fum'd, and hath

An altar there, at which the Graces bathe,

And with immortal balms besmooth, her skin,

Fit for the bliss Immortals solace in;

Deck'd her in to-be-studiéd attire,

And apt to set beholders' hearts on fire.

This sung the sacred muse, whose notes and words

The dancers' feet kept as his hands his chords.

Ulysses much was pleas'd, and all the crew.

This would the king have varied with a new

And pleasing measure, and performéd by

Two, with whom none would strive in dancery;

And those his sons were, that must therefore dance

Alone, and only to the harp advance,

Without the words. And this sweet couple was

Young Halius, and divine Laodamas;

Who danc'd a ball-dance. Then the rich-wrought ball,

ταῦτʼ ἄρʼ ἀοιδὸς ἄειδε περικλυτός· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

That Polybus had made, of purple all,

τέρπετʼ ἐνὶ φρεσὶν ᾗσιν ἀκούων ἠδὲ καὶ ἄλλοι

They took to hand. One threw it to the sky,

Φαίηκες δολιχήρετμοι, ναυσίκλυτοι ἄνδρες.

And then danc'd back; the other, capering high,

Ἀλκίνοος δʼ Ἅλιον καὶ Λαοδάμαντα κέλευσεν

Would surely catch it ere his foot touch'd ground,

μουνὰξ ὀρχήσασθαι, ἐπεί σφισιν οὔ τις ἔριζεν.

And up again advanc'd it, and so found

οἱ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν σφαῖραν καλὴν μετὰ χερσὶν ἕλοντο,

The other cause of dance; and then did he

πορφυρέην, τήν σφιν Πόλυβος ποίησε δαΐφρων,

Dance lofty tricks, till next it came to be

τὴν ἕτερος ῥίπτασκε ποτὶ νέφεα σκιόεντα

His turn to catch, and serve the other still.

ἰδνωθεὶς ὀπίσω, ὁ δʼ ἀπὸ χθονὸς ὑψόσʼ ἀερθεὶς

When they had kept it up to either's will,

ῥηιδίως μεθέλεσκε, πάρος ποσὶν οὖδας ἱκέσθαι.

They then danc'd ground tricks, oft mix'd hand in hand,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ σφαίρῃ ἀνʼ ἰθὺν πειρήσαντο,

And did so gracefully their change command,

ὠρχείσθην δὴ ἔπειτα ποτὶ χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ

That all the other youth that stood at pause,

ταρφέʼ ἀμειβομένω· κοῦροι δʼ ἐπελήκεον ἄλλοι

With deaf'ning shouts, gave them the great applause.

ἑστεῶτες κατʼ ἀγῶνα, πολὺς δʼ ὑπὸ κόμπος ὀρώρει.

Then said Ulysses: "O, past all men here

δὴ τότʼ ἄρʼ Ἀλκίνοον προσεφώνεε δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

Clear, not in pow'r, but in desert as clear,

Ἀλκίνοε κρεῖον, πάντων ἀριδείκετε λαῶν,

You said your dancers did the world surpass,

ἠμὲν ἀπείλησας βητάρμονας εἶναι ἀρίστους,

And they perform it clear, and to amaze."

ἠδʼ ἄρʼ ἑτοῖμα τέτυκτο· σέβας μʼ ἔχει εἰσορόωντα.

This won Alcinous' heart, and equal prize

ὣς φάτο, γήθησεν δʼ ἱερὸν μένος Ἀλκινόοιο,

He gave Ulysses, saying: "Matchless wise,

αἶψα δὲ Φαιήκεσσι φιληρέτμοισι μετηύδα·

Princes and rulers, I perceive our guest,

κέκλυτε, Φαιήκων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες.

And therefore let our hospitable best

ὁ ξεῖνος μάλα μοι δοκέει πεπνυμένος εἶναι.

In fitting gifts be giv'n him: Twelve chief kings

ἀλλʼ ἄγε οἱ δῶμεν ξεινήιον, ὡς ἐπιεικές.

There are that order all the glorious things

δώδεκα γὰρ κατὰ δῆμον ἀριπρεπέες βασιλῆες

Of this our kingdom; and, the thirteenth, I

ἀρχοὶ κραίνουσι, τρισκαιδέκατος δʼ ἐγὼ αὐτός·

Exist, as crown to all. Let instantly

τῶν οἱ ἕκαστος φᾶρος ἐυπλυνὲς ἠδὲ χιτῶνα

Be thirteen garments giv'n him, and of gold

καὶ χρυσοῖο τάλαντον ἐνείκατε τιμήεντος.

Precious, and fine, a talent. While we hold

αἶψα δὲ πάντα φέρωμεν ἀολλέα, ὄφρʼ ἐνὶ χερσὶν

This our assembly, be all fetch'd, and giv'n,

ξεῖνος ἔχων ἐπὶ δόρπον ἴῃ χαίρων ἐνὶ θυμῷ.

That to our feast prepar'd, as to his heav'n,

Εὐρύαλος δέ ἑ αὐτὸν ἀρεσσάσθω ἐπέεσσι

Our guest may enter. And, that nothing be

καὶ δώρῳ, ἐπεὶ οὔ τι ἔπος κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπεν.

Left unperform'd that fits his dignity,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐπῄνεον ἠδʼ ἐκέλευον,

Euryalus shall here conciliate

δῶρα δʼ ἄρʼ οἰσέμεναι πρόεσαν κήρυκα ἕκαστος.

Himself with words and gifts, since past our rate

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Εὐρύαλος ἀπαμείβετο φώνησέν τε·

He gave bad language." This did all commend

Ἀλκίνοε κρεῖον, πάντων ἀριδείκετε λαῶν,

And give in charge; and ev'ry king did send

τοιγὰρ ἐγὼ τὸν ξεῖνον ἀρέσσομαι, ὡς σὺ κελεύεις.

His herald for his gift. Euryalus,

δώσω οἱ τόδʼ ἄορ παγχάλκεον, ᾧ ἔπι κώπη

Answ'ring for his part, said: "Alcinous!

ἀργυρέη, κολεὸν δὲ νεοπρίστου ἐλέφαντος

Our chief of all, since you command, I will

ἀμφιδεδίνηται· πολέος δέ οἱ ἄξιον ἔσται.

To this our guest by all means reconcile,

ὣς εἰπὼν ἐν χερσὶ τίθει ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον

And give him this entirely-metall'd sword,

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

The handle massy silver, and the board,

χαῖρε, πάτερ ὦ ξεῖνε· ἔπος δʼ εἴ πέρ τι βέβακται

That gives it cover, all of ivory,

δεινόν, ἄφαρ τὸ φέροιεν ἀναρπάξασαι ἄελλαι.

New, and in all kinds worth his quality."

σοὶ δὲ θεοὶ ἄλοχόν τʼ ἰδέειν καὶ πατρίδʼ ἱκέσθαι

This put he straight into his hand, and said:

δοῖεν, ἐπεὶ δὴ δηθὰ φίλων ἄπο πήματα πάσχεις.

"Frolic, O guest and father; if words fled

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Have been offensive, let swift whirlwinds take

καὶ σὺ φίλος μάλα χαῖρε, θεοὶ δέ τοι ὄλβια δοῖεν.

And ravish them from thought. May all Gods make

μηδέ τι τοι ξίφεός γε ποθὴ μετόπισθε γένοιτο

Thy wife's sight good to thee, in quick retreat

τούτου, ὃ δή μοι δῶκας ἀρεσσάμενος ἐπέεσσιν.

To all thy friends, and best-lov'd breeding seat,