BOOK VIII.
ARGUMENT.
But when the mother of dawn, rosy-fingered morning, appeared, the sacred[1] might of Alcinous rose from his bed, and noble Ulysses, the sacker of cities, rose also. And the sacred might of Alcinous led them to the assembly of the Phæacians, which was prepared for them near the ships. And having come, they sat down on the polished stones near [each other]; but Pallas Minerva went through the city, likened unto the herald of prudent Alcinous, planning a return for strong-hearted Ulysses. And standing near each man she addressed them:
"Hither come, ye leaders and chiefs of the Phæacians, to go to the assembly, that ye may hear of the stranger, who lately came to the house of prudent Alcinous, having wandered over the sea, in person like unto the immortals."
Thus having spoken, she incited the might and mind of each. And the forums and seats were quickly filled with men assembling together; for many admired the prudent son of Laertes, as they beheld him, and Minerva shed divine grace over his head and shoulders; and she made him taller and greater to behold, that to all the Phæacians he might be dear and awful and venerable, and might perform many contests, at which the Phæacians tried Ulysses. But when they were collected and assembled together, Alcinous harangued and addressed them:
"Hear, ye leaders and rulers over the Phæacians, whilst I speak what my mind commands me in my breast. This stranger, I know not who [he is], has come wandering unto my house, whether from eastern or western men; but he incites
