[47] Thus did he speak. His hearers all
of them approved his saying and agreed that he should have his escort
inasmuch as he had spoken reasonably. Alkinoos therefore said to his
servant, "Pontonoos, mix some wine and hand it round to everybody,
that we may offer a prayer to father Zeus, and speed our guest upon
his way."
[53] Pontonoos mixed the wine and
handed it to every one in turn; the others each from his own seat
made a drink-offering to the blessed gods that live in heaven, but
Odysseus rose and placed the double cup in the hands of queen
Arete.
[59] "Farewell, queen," said he,
"henceforward and for ever, till age and death, the common lot of
humankind, lay their hands upon you. I now take my leave; be happy in
this house with your children, your people, and with king
Alkinoos."
[63] As he spoke he crossed the
threshold, and Alkinoos sent a man to conduct him to his ship and to
the sea shore. Arete also sent some maid servants with him - one with
a clean shirt and cloak, another to carry his strong-box, and a third
with grain and wine. When they got to the water side the crew took
these things and put them on board, with all the meat and drink; but
for Odysseus they spread a rug and a linen sheet on deck that he
might sleep soundly in the stern of the ship. Then he too went on
board and lay down without a word, but the crew took every man his
place in order [kosmos] and loosed the hawser from the
pierced stone to which it had been bound. Thereon, when they began
rowing out to sea, Odysseus fell into a deep, sweet, and almost
deathlike slumber.
