[26] The
Scholiast
explains the passage thus--We resemble the Gods in
righteousness as much as the Cyclops and Giants resembled each other in
impiety.
righteousness as much as the Cyclops and Giants resembled each other in
impiety.
Odyssey - Cowper
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.
Pope has given no translation of this line in the text of his work, but
has translated it in a note. It is variously interpreted by commentators;
the sense which is here given of it is that recommended by Eustathius.
[26] The Scholiast explains the passage thus--We resemble the Gods in
righteousness as much as the Cyclops and Giants resembled each other in
impiety. But in this sense of it there is something intricate and
contrary to Homer's manner. We have seen that they derived themselves
from Neptune, which sufficiently justifies the above interpretation.
BOOK VIII
ARGUMENT
The Phaeacians consult on the subject of Ulysses. Preparation is made for
his departure. Antinous entertains them at his table. Games follow the
entertainment. Demodocus the bard sings, first the loves of Mars and
Venus, then the introduction of the wooden horse into Troy. Ulysses, much
affected by his song, is questioned by Alcinous, whence, and who he is,
and what is the cause of his sorrow.
But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn,
Blush'd in the East, then from his bed arose
The sacred might of the Phaeacian King.
Then uprose also, city-waster Chief,
Ulysses, whom the King Alcinous
Led forth to council at the ships convened.
There, side by side, on polish'd stones they sat
Frequent; meantime, Minerva in the form
Of King Alcinous' herald ranged the town,
With purpose to accelerate the return 10
Of brave Ulysses to his native home,
And thus to ev'ry Chief the Goddess spake.
Phaeacian Chiefs and Senators, away!
Haste all to council on the stranger held,
Who hath of late beneath Alcinous' roof
Our King arrived, a wand'rer o'er the Deep,
But, in his form, majestic as a God.
So saying, she roused the people, and at once
The seats of all the senate-court were fill'd
With fast-assembling throngs, no few of whom 20
Had mark'd Ulysses with admiring eyes.
Then, Pallas o'er his head and shoulders broad
Diffusing grace celestial, his whole form
Dilated, and to the statelier height advanced,
That worthier of all rev'rence he might seem
To the Phaeacians, and might many a feat
Atchieve, with which they should assay his force.
Pope has given no translation of this line in the text of his work, but
has translated it in a note. It is variously interpreted by commentators;
the sense which is here given of it is that recommended by Eustathius.
[26] The Scholiast explains the passage thus--We resemble the Gods in
righteousness as much as the Cyclops and Giants resembled each other in
impiety. But in this sense of it there is something intricate and
contrary to Homer's manner. We have seen that they derived themselves
from Neptune, which sufficiently justifies the above interpretation.
BOOK VIII
ARGUMENT
The Phaeacians consult on the subject of Ulysses. Preparation is made for
his departure. Antinous entertains them at his table. Games follow the
entertainment. Demodocus the bard sings, first the loves of Mars and
Venus, then the introduction of the wooden horse into Troy. Ulysses, much
affected by his song, is questioned by Alcinous, whence, and who he is,
and what is the cause of his sorrow.
But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn,
Blush'd in the East, then from his bed arose
The sacred might of the Phaeacian King.
Then uprose also, city-waster Chief,
Ulysses, whom the King Alcinous
Led forth to council at the ships convened.
There, side by side, on polish'd stones they sat
Frequent; meantime, Minerva in the form
Of King Alcinous' herald ranged the town,
With purpose to accelerate the return 10
Of brave Ulysses to his native home,
And thus to ev'ry Chief the Goddess spake.
Phaeacian Chiefs and Senators, away!
Haste all to council on the stranger held,
Who hath of late beneath Alcinous' roof
Our King arrived, a wand'rer o'er the Deep,
But, in his form, majestic as a God.
So saying, she roused the people, and at once
The seats of all the senate-court were fill'd
With fast-assembling throngs, no few of whom 20
Had mark'd Ulysses with admiring eyes.
Then, Pallas o'er his head and shoulders broad
Diffusing grace celestial, his whole form
Dilated, and to the statelier height advanced,
That worthier of all rev'rence he might seem
To the Phaeacians, and might many a feat
Atchieve, with which they should assay his force.
