TRANSLATIONS, &c.
125
"Were I detain'd till the revolving sun
"Completes his annual circle, in thy will 405
"I acquiesce obedient, till meet stores
"For my return be rais'd; then at my realm
"With royal largesses arriving grac'd,
"And gay retinue, straight the wond'ring Greeks 409
"Will dear respect and prompter homage yield."
To whom Alcinous: "Your distinguish'd worth
"Too plain is character'd in all your port
"To doubt you of those vagrant clans who roam
"Fallacious, and with copious legend take
"The credulous ear; you, with severest truth 415
"Rob'd in rich eloquence, instruct and please:
"When (like some bard, vers'd in heroic theme
"Attemper'd to the lyre) you sweetly tell
"Whate'er in Grecian story was of old
"Recorded eminent, or when you speak 420
"Your own disastrous fate. But now proceed;
"Say affable, if while you low sojourn'd
"In gross Tartarean gloom, the mighty shades
"Of those brave warring Greeks appear'd who fell
"By doom of battle; for the ling'ring night 425
"Hath yet much space to measure, and the hour
"Of sleep is far to come: I can attend,
"With ravishment, to hear the pleasing tale,
"Fruitful of wonders, till the roseate Morn
"Purples the east." Ulysses thus reply'd: 430
"Due time, O King! for converse and repose
"Completes his annual circle, in thy will 405
"I acquiesce obedient, till meet stores
"For my return be rais'd; then at my realm
"With royal largesses arriving grac'd,
"And gay retinue, straight the wond'ring Greeks 409
"Will dear respect and prompter homage yield."
To whom Alcinous: "Your distinguish'd worth
"Too plain is character'd in all your port
"To doubt you of those vagrant clans who roam
"Fallacious, and with copious legend take
"The credulous ear; you, with severest truth 415
"Rob'd in rich eloquence, instruct and please:
"When (like some bard, vers'd in heroic theme
"Attemper'd to the lyre) you sweetly tell
"Whate'er in Grecian story was of old
"Recorded eminent, or when you speak 420
"Your own disastrous fate. But now proceed;
"Say affable, if while you low sojourn'd
"In gross Tartarean gloom, the mighty shades
"Of those brave warring Greeks appear'd who fell
"By doom of battle; for the ling'ring night 425
"Hath yet much space to measure, and the hour
"Of sleep is far to come: I can attend,
"With ravishment, to hear the pleasing tale,
"Fruitful of wonders, till the roseate Morn
"Purples the east." Ulysses thus reply'd: 430
"Due time, O King! for converse and repose
