Welcomed by Circè

48“They spoke, and from the ship and shore went up
Into the land, nor was Eurylochus
Left with the ship; he followed, for he feared
My terrible threat. Meantime had Circe bathed
My comrades at the palace, and with oil
Anointed them, and robed them in fair cloaks
And tunics. There we found them banqueting.
When they and those who came with me beheld
Each other, and the memory of the past
Came back to them, they wept abundantly,
And all the palace echoed with their sobs.
And then the mighty goddess came and said: —

49“ ‘Son of Laertes, nobly born and wise,
Prolong you not these sorrows. Well I know
What you have suffered on the fishy deep,
And all the evil that malignant men
Have done to you on land. Now take the food
Before you, drink the wine, till you receive
Into your hearts the courage that was yours
When long ago you left your fatherland,
The rugged Ithaca. You are unnerved
And spiritless with thinking constantly
On your long wanderings, and your minds allow
No space for mirth, for you have suffered much.’