The Odysseys of Homer, together with the shorter poems

Part 13

Chapter 13363 wordsPublic domain

[1] _Hac fuit illius sæculi simplicitas: nam vel fraternus quoque amor tantus fuit, ut libenter hanc redeunti charissimæ sorori operam præstiterint. Spond._

[2] _Νέες ώκει̑αι ὡσεὶ πτερὸν ἠὲ νόημα, naves veloces veluti penna, atque cogitatio._

[3] For the more perspicuity of this pedigree, I have here set down the diagram, as Spondanus hath it. Neptune begat Nausithous of Peribœa. By Nausithous, Rhexenor, Alcinous, were begot. By Rhexenor, Arete, the wife of her uncle Alcinous.

[4] The honour of Arete (or virtue) alleg.

[5] Casts so thick a shade—_πυκινός spissus._

[6] The word that bears this long epithet is translated only _dulce:_ which signifies more, _Μελίϕρονα οι͒νον ἐκίρνα Vinum quod melleâ dulcedine animum perfundit, et oblectat._

[7] Ascent to his country’s shore.

[8] Eustathius will have this comparison of the Phæacians with the Giants and Cyclops to proceed out of the inveterate virulency of Antinous to the Cyclops; who were cause (as is before said) of their remove from their country; and with great endeavour labours the approbation of it; but (under his peace) from the purpose: for the sense of the Poet is clear, that the Cyclops and Giants being in part the issue of the Gods, and yet afterward their defiers, (as Polyp. hereafter dares profess) Antinous (out of bold and manly reason, even to the face of one that might have been a God, for the past manly appearance he made there) would tell him, and the rest in him, that if they graced those Cyclops with their open appearance, that, though descended from them, durst yet deny them, they might much more do them the honour of their open presence that adored them.

[9] _Αἴθοψ οι͒νος, Vinum calefaciendi vim habens._

THE EIGHTH BOOK OF HOMER’S ODYSSEYS

THE ARGUMENT

The Peers of the Phæacian State A Council call, to consolate Ulysses with all means for home. The Council to a banquet come, Invited by the King. Which done, Assays for hurling of the stone The youths make with the stranger-king. Demodocus, at feast, doth sing Th’ adult’ry of the God of Arms With Her that rules in amorous charms; And after sings the entercourse Of acts about th’ Epæan horse.

ANOTHER ARGUMENT

_Θη̑τα._ The council’s frame At fleet applied. In strifes of game Ulysses tried.