Now fair Aurora lifts her golden ray, And all the ruddy orient flames with day: Alcinous, and the chief, with dawning light, Rose instant from the slumbers of the night; Then to the council-seat they bend their way, And fill the shining thrones along the bay. Meanwhile Minerva, in her guardian care, Shoots from the starry vault through fields of air; In form, a herald of the king, she flies From peer to peer, and thus incessant cries; “Nobles and chiefs who rule Phæacia’s states, The king in council your attendance waits; A prince of grace divine your aid implores, O’er unknown seas arrived from unknown shores.” She spoke, and sudden with tumultuous sounds Of thronging multitudes the shore rebounds: At once the seats they fill; and every eye Glazed, as before some brother of the sky. Pallas with grace divine his form improves, More high he treads, and more enlarged he moves: She sheds celestial bloom, regard to draw; And gives a dignity of mien, to awe; With strength, the future prize of fame to play, And gather all the honours of the day. Then from his glittering throne Alcinous rose; “Attend (he cried) while we our will disclose. Your present aid this godlike stranger craves, Toss’d by rude tempest through a war of waves; Perhaps from realms that view the rising day, Or nations subject to the western ray. Then grant, what here all sons of woe obtain (For here affliction never pleads in vain); Be chosen youth prepared, expert to try The vast profound and bid the vessel fly; Launch the tall back, and order every oar; Then in our court indulge the genial hour. Instant, you sailors to this task attend; Swift to the palace, all ye peers ascend; Let none to strangers honours due disclaim: Be there Demodocus the bard of fame, Taught by the gods to please, when high he sings The vocal lay, responsive to the strings.”