( 93 )
BOOK VIII.
BANQUET IN THE HOUSE OF ALCINOUS—THE GAMES.
Now when the child of morning, rosy-fiugered Dawn, appeared, Alcinous and Ulysses both rose, and Alcinous led the way to the Phæacian place of assembly, which was near the ships. When they got there they sat down side by side on a seat of polished stone, while Minerva took the form of one of Alcinous' servants, and went round the town in order to help Ulysses to get home. She went up to the citizens, man by man, and said, "Aldermen and town councillors of the Phæacians, come to the assembly all of you and listen to the stranger who has just come off a long voyage to the house of King Alcinous; he looks like an immortal god."
15With these words she made them all want to come, and they flocked to the assembly till seats and standing room were alike crowded. Every one was struck with the appearance of Ulysses, for Minerva had beautified him about the head and shoulders, making him look taller and stouter than he really was, that he might impress the Phæacians favourably as being a very remarkable man, and might come off well in the many trials of skill to which they would challenge him. Then, when they were got together, Alcinous spoke:—
26"Hear me," said he, "aldermen and town councillors of the Phæacians, that I may speak even as I am minded. This stranger, whoever he may be, has found his way to my house from some where or other either East or West. He wants an escort and wishes to have the matter settled. Let us then get one ready for him, as we have done for others before him; indeed, no one who ever yet came to my house has been able to complain of me for not speeding him on his way soon
