The sacred heralds on their hands around

Pour'd the full urns; the youths the goblets crown'd;

From bowl to bowl the homely beverage flows;

While to the final sacrifice they rose.

The tongues they cast upon the fragrant flame,

And pour, above, the consecrated stream.

And now, their thirst by copious draughts allay'd,

The youthful hero and the Athenian maid

Propose departure from the finish'd rite,

And in their hollow bark to pass the night;

But this hospitable sage denied,

Forbid it, Jove! and all the gods! (he cried),

Thus from my walls and the much-loved son to send

Of such a hero, and of such a friend!

Me, as some needy peasant, would ye leave,

Whom Heaven denies the blessing to relieve?

Me would ye leave, who boast imperial sway,

When beds of royal state invite your stay?

No--long as life this mortal shall inspire,

Or as my children imitate their sire.

Here shall the wandering stranger find his home,

And hospitable rites adorn the dome."

Well hast thou spoke (the blue-eyed maid replies),

Beloved old man! benevolent as wise.

Be the kind dictates of thy heart obey'd,

The Odyssey of Homer