day." And another, "Their legs have grown crooked with much rowing, till they waddle in their walk like ducks."
At that Idas the rash would have struck them; but Jason held him back, till one of the merchant kings spoke to them, a tall and stately man:
"Do not be angry, strangers; the sailor boys must have their jest. But we will treat you justly and kindly for strangers and poor men come from God; and you seem no common sailors by your strength, and height, and weapons. Come up with me to the palace of Alcinous, the rich sea-going king, and we will feast you well and heartily; and after that you shall tell us your name."
But Medea hung back, and trembled, and whispered in Jason's ear, "We are betrayed, and are going to our ruin, for I see my countrymen among the crowd; darkeyed Colchi in steel mail-shirts, such as they wear in my father's land."
"It is too late to turn," said Jason. And he spoke to the merchant king: "What country is this, good sir? And what is this new-built town?"
"This is the land of the Phæaces, beloved by all the Immortals; for they come hither and feast like friends with us, and sit by our side in the hall. Hither we came from Laburnia to escape the unrighteous Cyclopes; for they robbed us, peaceful merchants, of our hard-earned wares and wealth. So Nausithous, the son of Poseidon, brought us hither, and died in peace; and now his son
