subsided and I paddled about for nine days with my hands, almost perishing with hunger. On the tenth day I was fortunate enough to reach land. It was Ogygia, Calypso’s island, where I was held in captivity for nine years, as I have told you.” Chapter VIII Ulysses is taken sleeping to Ithaca by the Phæacians—Athene counsels him—He comes to Eumæus All eyes were fastened upon the speaker and all listened with delight to the wonderful adventures of Ulysses. “We should pay even greater honor to the hero who has suffered so much,” cried Alcinous. “Let each of the twelve princes add a tripod of bronze and a silver basin to his gift.” All agreed and the company broke up for the night. At daybreak they reassembled, each bringing his gift. Alcinous himself went aboard the vessel and carefully fitted it out with all that was necessary. Then all repaired once more to the king’s palace for a farewell banquet and sacrificial offering. Ulysses, longing for home, spake to the king. “Most honored hero and mighty King Alcinous, and ye princes of the Phæacians, speed me now upon my way, for I have all that heart can wish. May the gods bless your gifts and my return and send you good fortune.” After the last rites of hospitality had been completed Ulysses turned to Arete, and putting his cup into her hand he said: “Farewell forever, O Queen, until old age and death, the lot of all mankind, shall overtake thee. Mayest thou be happy in thy palace for many years amongst thy children, thy husband, and thy people.” After taking leave he hurried to the ship and laid himself down to rest, while the rowers took their places and bent to their task. Ulysses sank into a slumber, forgetting all his woes. As the morning star arose the ship landed in one of Ithaca’s bays. Even the shock of landing did not awaken the hero, and the Phæacian youths carried him gently on shore. They took out all the presents and piled them beside him beneath an olive tree. They then reëmbarked and steered gayly homeward. But the unfortunates could not escape the wrath of Poseidon. He saw them returning, and transformed their ship into a rock in the midst of the sea and surrounded the city of Phæacia with high cliffs. In the meantime Ulysses awoke and did not recognize his home, for Athene had surrounded him with a thick fog. “Woe is me,” he cried. “In what strange country have the deceitful Phæacians left me? What shall I do? I will first examine the gifts and see if all are here.” He counted them and found none missing. As he was strolling along, Athene in the form of a lovely little shepherd boy came toward him. Ulysses was overjoyed. “A greeting to thee, the first being I have met in this strange land,” he said. “I humbly beg of thee to tell me where I am. What country is this and by what people inhabited? Is it an island or a promontory of the mainland?”