Turning with a sigh from that paradise of colour and perfume, Odysseus passed on to the house, and stood for a while, scanning that stately structure.  His eyes were almost blinded by the light which flashed from the outer walls, which were built of solid brass, with a coping of blue steel.  The doors were of gold, with silver lintel and doorposts, and brazen threshold.  Then he entered the hall, still unseen of all eyes; and here new wonders awaited him.  Within the doorway on either side sat dogs wrought in silver and gold, living creatures, that know neither age nor death, which Hephaestus, the divine artificer, made, in the wisdom of his heart, to guard the house of the prince Alcinous day and night.  At intervals stood figures of youths fashioned in gold, with torches in their hands, which at night-time shed a blaze of light throughout the hall.  And all round the walls were set rows of seats, covered with richly woven cloths, the work of women’s hands.  There sat the noble chieftains of Phaeacia, feasting on the bounty of their king.

Far within, visible through a wide-opened door, was seen another chamber, where a troop of domestics were busy at their tasks.  Some were grinding the yellow grain in hand-mills, others were walking to and fro at the loom, and others sat plying distaff and spindle, nodding their heads like poplars waving in the wind.  Very choice was the fabric woven in that chamber, for the women of Phaeacia were famed beyond all others for their skill in weaving, even as the men surpassed all the world in seamanship.

Such were the glories of the house of Alcinous, and when Odysseus had gazed his fill he began to think of the purpose for which he had come.  The feasters were just pouring a libation to Hermes, to be followed by a parting cup, before they went home.  At that very moment their eyes were opened, and they saw Odysseus kneeling at the feet of Arete, and heard him utter these words: 

“Great queen, daughter of a race divine, behold me, a toil-worn wanderer, who hath come hither to implore thy grace.  Intercede for me, I pray thee, with thy husband, that he may send me speedily to my native land:  and may it be well with thee, and with all this fair company, and with the children who come after thee.”

Thereupon he sat down by the hearth in the ashes near the fire; and for awhile not a word was spoken, but all sat gazing at him in wonder.  At last an aged Phaeacian broke the silence, and said, looking at Alcinous:  “My prince, it becomes thee not to suffer this stranger to sit on the ground in the ashes.  Behold, we are all waiting for thee to speak and declare thy will.  Give this poor man thy hand, and set him on a seat, that he may know that his prayer is granted.  And let them give him to eat, and fill a bowl for a libation to Zeus, in whose care are all suppliants.”

Alcinous rose in response to the words of the elder, who was famed among the Phaeacians for his eloquence and wisdom, and taking Odysseus by the hand raised him from his abject posture, and seated him by his side.  Food and drink were placed before him, and while he was eating, Alcinous ordered a bowl to be filled for a libation to Zeus, the god of hospitality.  The wine was served out to the guests, the libations were poured, and then Alcinous began to speak again, unfolding his purpose towards Odysseus.