Homers Odyssey Books XIII-XXIV

Alcinous himself went throughout the ship and stowed the gifts under the benches, so that none of the companions would be hindered when they were rowing hard with their oars. Then they went back to Alcinous's house and prepared for the feast. 25 The sacred majesty original: "ἱερὸν μένος," a recurring title for Alcinous emphasizing his kingly power of Alcinous sacrificed an ox to Zeus of the dark clouds, the son of Cronos, who rules over all. They burned the thigh-pieces as an offering and enjoyed a glorious feast, making merry. Among them, the divine singer Demodocus, who was honored by the people, sang to them. But Odysseus kept turning his head toward the shining sun, 30 anxious for it to set, for he was longing to return home. Just as a man longs for his supper after his two wine-dark original: "οἴνοπε," a classic Homeric epithet for the color of oxen or the sea oxen have pulled the jointed plow through the fallow field all day long—and the light of the sun sets most welcome to him, so that he may go to his meal, even though his knees tremble as he walks— 35 so the setting of the sun's light was welcome to Odysseus.

Immediately he spoke to the oar-loving Phaeacians, addressing his words especially to Alcinous: "Lord Alcinous, most distinguished of all the people, pour a libation a ritual pouring of wine as an offering to the gods and send me on my way in safety, and fare you well yourselves. 40 For now, all that my heart desired has been accomplished: my passage home and these precious gifts—may the gods of heaven make them a blessing to me. Upon my return, may I find my noble wife and my loved ones safe and sound. And may you, remaining here, bring joy to your 45 wedded wives and your children. May the gods grant you every kind of excellence, and may no evil come upon your people." So he spoke, and they all praised his words and urged that the stranger be sent on his way, for he had spoken rightly original: "κατὰ μοῖραν," meaning according to what is fitting or destined. Then the majesty of Alcinous said to the herald: 50 "Pontonous, mix the wine in the bowl and serve it to everyone in the hall..."