The Argonautica

beneath whose rule the city's people judged all disputes.

Behind him, in due order, wearing their armor of battle,

the best of all the Phaeacians marched in a close-packed body.

The women went outside the towers, gathering all together

to see the heroes; countrymen likewise came to meet them

hearing that true report sent forth by Hera,

One man led a ram selected from the flock,

another brought a heifer, young and still unworked;

others stood wine-filled amphoras close by, ready

for mixing; far off the smoke of the sacrifices billowed.

Women brought richly worked and intricate robes,

and bridal gifts of gold, together with every other

splendor in which women newly yoked in marriage are adorned.

The women gazed and kept marveling at the famed heroes'

outward looks and forms; amid their ranks, Oeagrus'

son, keeping time to well-struck lyre and song,

time after time beat earth with his glittering sandal.

The nymphs all together, whenever Orpheus recalled the wedding,

raised the lovely wedding song; at times again

they sang by themselves, winding round in a circular dance,

Hera, your work: you planted firm resolve in Arete

to voice aloud Alcinous' prudent royal judgment.

Alcinous first pronounced the terms of righteous judgment;

since now the marriage bond was firmly sealed, consummated,