When Thestorides had written down that poem, and the rest he had received from Homer, he neglected him, and determining to appropriate them to himself, left Phocæa. Homer thus addressed him:
"Thestorides, of the many things hidden from man, the most obscure is the human heart." Thestorides, having sailed from Phocæa, retired to Chios, where he established a school of literature, and by his having recited Homer's verses, which he did, attributing them to himself, he obtained great praise and much money. As to Homer, he continued in the same way of life as heretofore, being supported by his verses.
XVII. Shortly afterwards some merchants of Chios, having come to Phocæa, went to the assemblies where Homer recited. Surprised to hear those verses recited that they had so often applauded when spoken by Thestorides, they informed Homer that there was at Chios a teacher of literature, who was much esteemed for the recitation of the same poems. Homer, perceiving who it was, prepared for a journey to Chios. Having gone down to the port, he found no ship that was going to that island, but met with one about to sail for Erythræ,[1] to fetch timber. As that town seemed to be convenient for passing over into Chios, he accosted the seamen courteously, entreating them to allow him to accompany them, and, as an inducement, promised to recite some of his verses to them. They agreed to this, and on his having entered the vessel, and seated himself, after extolling their hospitality, he addressed these verses to them:
"Give ear to my prayer, powerful Poseidon, who reigneth over the vast plains of Helicon;[2] send us a favourable breeze, and allow a joyful return to these mariners, fellows in the
