THE DEPARTURE OF ODYSSEUS FROM THE ISLAND OF SCHERIA
All the guests had listened with deep attention to the recital of
Odysseus; all were greatly interested, and when he ended they did
not stir or speak a word. Alkinoös was the first to break the silence,
and he said: "Renowned Odysseus, since thou hast come to our country,
I hope that thy sufferings are at an end and that thou wilt reach
thy native land safely and soon." Then the King turned to his guests
and addressed them: "Phæacians, let us each present one more gift,
a large tripod and a vase, to the hero who has come among us."
The Phæacians received his words approvingly, and each went at once
to his home to sleep. But when morning came they all sent their gifts
to the ship, where they were packed carefully under the benches by
the King himself, and the guests returned to the palace, where a
banquet was spread for them.
Alkinoös sacrificed an ox to Zeus, and they sat down at the table.
The enjoyment ran high, and the old poet, Demodokos, sang sweet songs.
They feasted all day, and when the sun was near its setting Odysseus
said: "King Alkinoös, let us pour out the last libation and offer
up the last prayer, for all things have come to pass that my soul
desired. May the gods bless thy gifts. May I find my home, my wife
and child, and friends. I pray the gods to grant thee all that is
good, and may no evil ever befall thy land. Be pleased to send me
hence, and fare thee well."
Thus he spoke, right glad that the day was done and eager to set sail.
The people approved his timely words, and seizing their goblets they
poured out wine on to the ground, an offering to the gods, and they
wished godspeed to their guest. Odysseus arose and placed a goblet
in the hands of the Queen, addressing her thus: "Farewell, O Queen,
I wish thee a long and happy life, a peaceful old age down to the
grave, from which no one may escape; rejoice in the possession of
thy home, thy people, thy children, and the King, thy husband."
So spoke Odysseus, and left the hall. The King sent a herald to show
him the way to the port where the ship was waiting for him. At the
same time Aretè also sent down some maids, who carried a new cloak
and tunic, a well-wrought coffer full of gifts, and an abundance of
food for the journey.
These things the crew took from their hands and stowed away in the
hold of the vessel. They spread a nice bed for him on the deck, where
he might sleep quietly. When every thing was ready, Odysseus embarked,
and the sailors slipped the cables and took their seats at the oars.
Odysseus fell into a deep, sweet slumber, but the ship flew forward
faster than a bird could fly, making rapid headway toward the island
of Ithaca.