Feast and Farewell

3The mighty prince Alcinous offered up
For them an ox to cloud-compelling Zeus,
The son of Cronus, ruler over all.
They burned the thighs, and held high festival,
And all was mirth. Divine Demodocus
The bard, whom all men reverenced, sang to them.
Meantime Odysseus often turned to look
At the bright Helios, and longed to see him set,
So eager was the hero to set sail
Upon his homeward way. As when a swain
Awaits his evening meal, for whom all day
Two dark-brown steers have dragged the solid plough
Through fallow grounds, and welcome is the hour
Of sunset, calling him to his repast,
And wearily he walks with failing knees,
So welcome to Odysseus did the light
Of day go down. Then did he hold discourse
With the Phaeacians, lovers of the sea,
And chiefly with Alcinous, speaking thus: —

4“O monarch most illustrious of your race,
Alcinous, now when you have duly poured
Wine to the gods, be pleased to send me hence
In peace, and fare you well! All that my heart
Could wish have you provided bounteously —
An escort and rich gifts; and may the gods
Bestow their blessing with them! May I meet
My blameless wife again, and find my friends
Prosperous! And you whom I shall leave behind,
Long may you make the wives of your young years
And children happy! May the gods vouchsafe
To crown with every virtue you and them,
And may no evil light upon your isle!”