On his carv'd couch, beneath the portico, But in the inner-house Alcinoüs found His place of rest, and hers with royal state 430 Prepared, the Queen his consort, at his side. FOOTNOTES: [25] Καιροσέων δ' οθονεων ἀπολείβεται ὑγρον ἔλαιον. Pope has given no translation of this line in the text of his work, but has translated it in a note. It is variously interpreted by commentators; the sense which is here given of it is that recommended by Eustathius. [26] The Scholiast explains the passage thus--We resemble the Gods in righteousness as much as the Cyclops and Giants resembled each other in impiety. But in this sense of it there is something intricate and contrary to Homer's manner. We have seen that they derived themselves from Neptune, which sufficiently justifies the above interpretation. BOOK VIII ARGUMENT The Phæacians consult on the subject of Ulysses. Preparation is made for his departure. Antinoüs entertains them at his table. Games follow the entertainment. Demodocus the bard sings, first the loves of Mars and Venus, then the introduction of the wooden horse into Troy. Ulysses, much affected by his song, is questioned by Alcinoüs, whence, and who he is, and what is the cause of his sorrow. But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, Blush'd in the East, then from his bed arose The sacred might of the Phæacian King. Then uprose also, city-waster Chief, Ulysses, whom the King Alcinoüs Led forth to council at the ships convened. There, side by side, on polish'd stones they sat Frequent; meantime, Minerva in the form Of King Alcinoüs' herald ranged the town, With purpose to accelerate the return 10 Of brave Ulysses to his native home, And thus to ev'ry Chief the Goddess spake. Phæacian Chiefs and Senators, away! Haste all to council on the stranger held, Who hath of late beneath Alcinoüs' roof Our King arrived, a wand'rer o'er the Deep, But, in his form, majestic as a God. So saying, she roused the people, and at once The seats of all the senate-court were fill'd With fast-assembling throngs, no few of whom 20 Had mark'd Ulysses with admiring eyes. Then, Pallas o'er his head and shoulders broad Diffusing grace celestial, his whole form Dilated, and to the statelier height advanced, That worthier of all rev'rence he might seem To the Phæacians, and might many a feat Atchieve, with which they should assay his force. When, therefore, the assembly now was full, Alcinoüs, them addressing, thus began. Phæacian Chiefs and Senators! I speak 30 The dictates of my mind, therefore attend. This guest, unknown to me, hath, wand'ring, found My palace, either from the East arrived, Or from some nation on our western side. Safe conduct home he asks, and our consent