The king immediately arose, took Ulysses by the hand, and led him to a seat beside his own. What a contrast to the previous evening when the poor man, deprived of his clothes, dripping and exhausted by his struggle with the waves, had staggered on land and raked together a bed of leaves in which to warm himself. Now he was luxuriously feasting, by torchlight, in a magnificent hall. “Come,” cried the king to the herald, “mix another bowl of wine and fill the cups of the guests that we may drink once more to Jupiter, the protector of those seeking aid.” The herald did the king’s bidding and all poured the libation to Jupiter on the ground, then drank off the remainder, and arose from their seats. The king commanded them to come again the following day to discuss how they might assist the stranger to return to his home, unless—this had just occurred to him—he might be a god in disguise who took pleasure in mingling with mortals. Ulysses modestly denied this flattering suggestion. “No, indeed,” said he, “I am the most miserable and unfortunate of men. But now let me eat a little more, for unhappy as I am, hunger is stronger than my sorrows, and an empty stomach gives a mortal no peace. But to-morrow, noble lords, ye shall do to me even as the king hath said and send me home, since for many years I have been consumed with longing for my wife and home.” The princes listened to the stranger with respect, for his speech and noble mien betrayed the man of intellect and ability. When the guests had gone, Ulysses was left alone with the king and queen. Servants removed the remains of the feast, and now the queen, who had remained silent before the men, began to question her guest. She had been watching him, half in admiration and half with distrust, for she recognized the garments which he wore, having woven them herself. “I must ask thee,” said she, “who thou art and whence thou comest. Who gave thee these garments? Thou sayest that thou comest to us from across the sea.”