Phaeacian Counsel

34Then also Echeneus, aged chief,
The oldest man of the Phaeacians, spoke: —

35“My friends, the word of our sagacious queen
Errs not, nor is ill-timed, and yours it is
To hearken and obey: but all depends
Upon Alcinous —both the word and deed.”

36And then in turn Alcinous spoke: “That word
Shall be fulfilled, if I am ruler here
Over the Phaeacians, skilled in seamanship.
But let the stranger, though he long for home,
Bear to remain till morning, that his store
Of gifts may be complete. To send him home
Shall be the charge of all, but mostly mine,
Since mine it is to hold the sovereign power.”