[2] Since the Phæacians were not only dwellers by sea, but studious also of sea qualities, their names seem to usurp their faculties therein. All consisting of sea-faring signification, except Laodamas, As Acroneus, _summa seu extrema navis pars._ Ocyalus, _velox in mari._ Elatreus, or _᾽Ελατὴρ, ἐλατη̑ρος, Remex, etc._ [3] The word is _πομπή,_ signifying _deductio, quâ trausvehendum curamus eum qui nobiscum aliquando est versatus._ [4] _᾽Ατάσθαλος damnorum magnorum auctor._ [5] He names Laodamas only for all the other brothers; since in his exception, the others’ envies were curbed: for brothers either are or should be of one acceptation in all fit things, And Laodamas, he calls his host, being eldest son to Alcinous: the heir being ever the young master; nor might he conveniently prefer Alcinous in his exception, since he stood not in competition at these contentions. [6] _Μαρμαρυγὰς ποδω̑ν. Μαρμαρυγὴ_ signifies _splendor vibrans_; a twincked splendor; _μαρμαρύσσειν, vibrare veluti radios solares._ [7] Intending the sound of foot, when they outgo the soundest. [8] This is _τὸ τὰ μικρὰ μεγάλως, etc. Parva magnè dicere;_ grave sentence out of lightest vapour. [9] _’Ερίηρον ἀοιδὸν, Poetam cujus hominibus digna est societas._ [10] As by the divine fury directly inspired so, for Ulysses’ glory. [11] In that the slaughters he made were expressed so lively. [12] _Τήκετο ᾽Οδυσσεύς. Τήκω,_ metaph. signifying _consumo, tabesco._ [13] This _τερατολογία_ or _affirmation of miracles,_ how impossible soever in these times assured, yet in those ages they were neither absurd nor strange. Those inanimate things having (it seemed) certain Genii, in whose powers they supposed their ships’ faculties. As others have affirmed oaks to have sense of hearing; and so the ship of Argos was said to have a mast made of Dodonean oak, that was vocal, and could speak. [14] Intending his father Nausithous. THE NINTH BOOK OF HOMER’S ODYSSEYS THE ARGUMENT Ulysses here is first made known; Who tells the stern contention His pow’rs did ’gainst the Cicons try; And thence to the Lotophagi Extends his conquest; and from them Assays the Cyclop Polypheme, And, by the crafts his wits apply, He puts him out his only eye. ANOTHER ARGUMENT _᾿Ιω̑τα._ The strangely fed Lotophagi. The Cicons fled. The Cyclop’s eye.