against his will. As for sending thee to thy home, that is easy;
thou shalt lay thee down to sleep, and my men shalt smite the sea
with oars, and take thee whithersoever thou wilt, even though it
be to the furthest of all lands. For verily my ships are the best
that sail the sea, and my young men the most skilful of all that
ply the oar."

So he spake, and Ulysses rejoiced to hear his words. And he prayed
within himself, "Grant, Father Zeus, that Alcinous may fulfil all
that he hath said, and that I may come to my own land!"

Then Arete bade her handmaids prepare a bed for the stranger. So
they went from the hall, with torches in their hands, and made it
ready. And when they had ended they called Ulysses, saying, "Up,
stranger, and sleep, for thy bed is ready."

Right glad was he to sleep after all that he had endured.




CHAPTER IX

THE PHAEACIANS


The next day the King arose at dawn, as also did Ulysses, and the
King led the way to the place of assembly. Meanwhile Athene,
wearing the guise of the King's herald, went throughout the city,
and to each man she said, "Come to the assembly, captains and