heretofore they have shown themselves openly in our midst, when we
offer sacrifice, and sit by our sides at feasts. Yea, and if a
traveller meet them on the way, they use no disguise, for indeed
they are near of kin to us."

Then spake Ulysses: "Think not such things within thy heart, O
King! I am no god but one that is most miserable among the sons of
men. Of many woes might I tell. Nevertheless, suffer me to eat;
for, however sad a man may be, yet he must eat and drink. But when
the day cometh, bestir yourselves, and carry me to my home. Fain
would I die if I could see my home again!"

And they answered that it should be so, and went each to his home.
Only Ulysses was left in the hall, and Alcinous and Arete with
him. And Arete recognized his clothing, and said:--

"Whence art thou, stranger? and who gave thee these garments?"

So Ulysses told her how he had come from the island of Calypso,
and what he had suffered, and how Nausicaa had found him on the
shore, and had guided him to the city.

And Alcinous blamed the maiden because she had not herself brought
him to the house. "Nay," said Ulysses, "she would have brought me,
but I would not, fearing thy wrath." For he would not have the
maiden blamed.

Then said Alcinous: "I am not one to be angered for such cause.
Gladly would I have such a one as thou art to be my son-in-law,
and I would give him house and wealth. But no one would I hold