To whom Alcinoüs, thus, the King, replied.
I ratify the word. So shall be done,
As surely as myself shall live supreme
O'er all Phæacia's maritime domain.
Then let the guest, though anxious to depart, 425
Wait till the morrow, that I may complete
The whole donation. His safe conduct home
Shall be the gen'ral care, but mine in Chief,
To whom dominion o'er the rest belongs.
Him answer'd, then, Ulysses ever-wise. 430
Alcinoüs! Prince! exalted high o'er all
Phæacia's sons! should ye solicit, kind,
My stay throughout the year, preparing still
My conduct home, and with illustrious gifts
Enriching me the while, ev'n that request 435
Should please me well; the wealthier I return'd,
The happier my condition; welcome more
And more respectable I should appear
In ev'ry eye to Ithaca restored.
To whom Alcinoüs answer thus return'd. 440
Ulysses! viewing thee, no fears we feel
Lest thou, at length, some false pretender prove,
Or subtle hypocrite, of whom no few
Disseminated o'er its face the earth
Sustains, adepts in fiction, and who frame 445
Fables, where fables could be least surmised.
Thy phrase well turn'd, and thy ingenuous mind
Proclaim thee diff'rent far, who hast in strains
Musical
