TUB ODYSSEY OF HOMER. TRANSLATED FROM THE GREEK, BY ALEXANDER POPE. VOL. II. PHILADELPHIA: JAMES CRISSY, 14, S. SEVENTH ST. THE ODYSSEY. BOOK XIII. THE ARGUMENT. THE ARRIVAL OF ULYSSES IN ITHACA. Ulysses takes his leave of Alcinous and Arete, and embarks in the evening. Next morning the ship arrives at Ithaca; where the sailors, as Ulysses is yet sleeping, lay him on the shore with all his treasures. On their return, Neptune changes their ship into a rock. In the meantime Ulysses awaking, knows not his native Ithaca, by reason of a mist which Pallas had cast round him. He breaks into loud lamentations; till the goddess appearing to him in the form of a shepherd, discovers the country to him, and points out the particular places. He then tells a feigned story of his adventures, upon which she manifests herself, and they consult together of the measures to be taken to destroy the suitors. To conceal his return, and disguise his person the more effectually, she changes him into the figure of an old beggar. He ceas'd; but left so pleasing on their ear His voice, that listening still they seem'd to hear. A pause of silence hush'd the shady rooms: The grateful conference then the king resumes. Whatever toils the great Ulysses pass'd, Beneath this happy roof they end at last; No longer now from shore to shore to roam, To separate mansions, and retir'd to rest. Of great Alcinous falls, and stains the sand. The flames ascend: 'till evening they prolong As the tir'd ploughman, spent with stubborn toil, Sees with delight the sun's declining ray, Then instant, to Alcinous and the rest, (The Scherian states) he turn'd, and thus address'd. O thou, the first in merit and command! And you, the peers and princes of the land! May every joy be yours! nor this the least, When due libation shall have crown'd the feast, Safe to my home to send your happy guest. Complete are now the bounties you have given, Be all those bounties but confirm'd by heaven! So may I find, when all my wanderings cease, My consort blameless, and my friends in peace. On you be every bliss; and every day, In home-felt joys delighted roll away; Yourselves, your wives, your long descending race, May every god enrich with every grace! Sure fix'd on virtue may your nation stand, And public evil never touch the land! His words well weigh'd, the general voice approv'd Benign, and instant his dismission mov'd. Great Jove the father, first (he cried) implore; The luscious wine the obedient herald brought; Around the mansion flow'd the purple draught: Each from his seat to each immortal pours, Whom glory circles in the Olympian bowers. Ulysses sole with air majestic stands, The bowl presenting to Arete's hands; Then thus: O queen, farewell! be still possess'd Of dear remembrance, blessing still and bless'd! |