Book VII · Episode 5 of 5

Prayer and Rest

Odysseus prays, sleeps in portico

Scenes

1. Odysseus’ Prayer — Odysseus prays Zeus fulfill the promise
   • Odysseus rejoices at hearing the promise
   • Hopes Alcinoüs’ fame spreads undying
   • Only this escort can bring him home
2. Beds Are Made — Maids ready couches, hosts retire
   • Rugs, tapestry, cloaks spread for warmth
   • Maids summon him with torches in hand
   • Weary, Odysseus welcomes sleep
   • Alcinoüs retires to his own recess
   • Arete shares the marriage bed beside him