“Ah, Queen,” answered Ulysses, “it is too long a story to tell thee all my history. Far out in the sea lies the isle Ogygia, where lives the beautiful and powerful goddess Calypso. A frightful storm which destroyed my ship cast me on that shore, and for seven years the lovely goddess held me captive there. She promised me immortal youth if I would abide with her and be her husband, but she could not persuade me. At last she changed her mind and only twenty days ago released me, gave me rich gifts and a successful voyage until I came in sight of the blue hills of this isle. Then Poseidon’s wrath overtook me, and a terrible storm broke up my ship. Naked, I managed by constant swimming to reach these shores. Last night I passed miserably in a thicket, but a sweet sleep held me fast bound for nearly twenty hours. I did not awaken until afternoon; then I heard voices, and saw thy daughter and her maidens not far away. I approached her in my distress, and behold, I found a sensible and noble-minded maiden. She refreshed me with food and wine, bathed and anointed me, and gave me these garments; then bade me come hither.” “All that is very good,” said Alcinous, “but the naughty girl has neglected a part of her duty. She should have brought thee straight to us, and she was here long before thou camest.” “She did indeed offer to conduct me hither,” said the hero, “but I did not consider it fitting and did not wish thee to misjudge me. Therefore I remained modestly behind, for we men are very suspicious creatures.” “I am not so hasty in my judgments,” interrupted Alcinous. “However, all things should be done in order, and I perceive that thou art an excellent man. If such a one as thou should request my daughter’s hand, I would gladly take him for a son-in-law. If thou wilt remain here I will give thee houses and lands, but Jupiter would not wish that I should force thee to stay with us. No, if thou so desirest I will despatch thee to-morrow on thy way. Our rowers shall take thee safely back to thy home, however far away it may be.” “O Father Jupiter,” cried Ulysses at these words, “let all come to pass as this noble man hath said.” And now the queen commanded the maids to prepare a bed with soft cushions and fine covers for the stranger in the hall. They went out with torches, and when all was in readiness called the stranger to his well-earned rest. Chapter VI Ulysses among the Phæacians