"What do you think of this man, O
Phaeacians? Is he not tall and good looking, and is he not clever?
True, he is my own guest, but all of you share in the distinction. Do
not be in a hurry to send him away, nor be withholding in the
presents you make to one who is in such great need, for heaven has
blessed all of you with great abundance."
Then spoke the aged hero Echeneus
who was one of the oldest men among them, "My friends," said he,
"what our august queen has just said to us is both reasonable and to
the purpose, therefore be persuaded by it; but the decision whether
in word or deed rests ultimately with King Alkinoos."
"The thing shall be done,"
exclaimed Alkinoos, "as surely as I still live and reign over the
Phaeacians. Our guest is indeed very anxious to get home
[nostos], still we must persuade him to remain with us
until tomorrow, by which time I shall be able to get together the
whole sum that I mean to give him. As regards his escort it will be a
matter for you all, and mine above all others as the chief person in
the dêmos."
And Odysseus answered, "King
Alkinoos, if you were to bid me to stay here for a whole twelve
months, and then speed me on my way, loaded with your noble gifts, I
should obey you gladly and it would redound greatly to my advantage,
for I should return fuller-handed to my own people, and should thus
be more respected and beloved by all who see me when I get back to
Ithaca."
Homer. The Odyssey. Rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original. Samuel Butler. Based on public domain edition, revised by Timothy Power and Gregory Nagy. A. C. Fifield, London. 1900 (?).
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