Recording and translation © A. P. David 2022.

‘… whereon I turned back to the

ships with my companions, and my heart was clouded with care as I

went along. When we reached the ships we got supper ready, for night

was falling, and camped down upon the beach. When the child of morning,

rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, we drew our ships into the water, and

put our masts and sails within them; then we went on board ourselves,

took our seats on the benches, and smote the grey sea with our oars.

I again stationed my ships in the heaven-fed stream of Egypt, and

offered hecatombs that were full and sufficient. When I had thus appeased

heaven's anger, I raised a barrow to the memory of Agamemnon that

his name might live for ever, after which I had a quick passage home,

for the gods sent me a fair wind.

‘And now for yourself—stay here some ten or twelve days longer, and

I will then speed you on your way. I will make you a noble present

of a chariot and three horses. I will also give you a beautiful chalice

that so long as you live you may think of me whenever you make a drink-offering

to the immortal gods.’

Singing Homer

Homer's Odyssey δ 4.571-92