the bounds of the isle of Macris. And
straightway to them went Alcinous, by reason of his covenant, to declare
his purpose concerning the maiden, and in his hand he held a golden
staff, his staff of justice, whereby the people had righteous judgments
meted out to them throughout the city. And with him in order due and
arrayed in their harness of war went marching, band by band, the chiefs
of the Phaeacians. And from the towers came forth the women in crowds to
gaze upon the heroes; and the country folk came to meet them when they
heard the news, for Hera had sent forth a true report. And one led the
chosen ram of his Hock, and another a heifer that had never toiled; and
others set hard by jars of wine for mixing; and the smoke of sacrifice
leapt up far away. And women bore fine linen, the fruit of much toil, as
women will, and gifts of gold and varied ornaments as well, such as are
brought to newly-wedded brides; and they marvelled when they saw the
shapely forms and beauty of the gallant heroes, and among them the son
of Oeagrus, oft beating the ground with gleaming sandal, to the time of
his loud-ringing lyre and song. And all the nymphs together, whenever he
recalled the marriage, uplifted the lovely bridal-chant; and at times
again they sang alone as they circled in the dance, Hera, in thy honour;
for it was thou that didst put it into the heart of Arete to proclaim
the wise word of Alcinous. And as soon as he had uttered the decree of
his righteous judgement, and the completion of the marriage had been
proclaimed, he took care that thus it should abide fixed; and no deadly
fear touched him nor Aeetes' grievous wrath, but he kept his judgement
fast bound by unbroken oaths. So when the Colchians learnt that they
were beseeching in vain and he bade them either observe his judgements
or hold their ships away from his harbours and land, then they began to
dread the threats of their own king and besought Alcinous to receive
them as comrades; and there in the island long time they dwelt with the
Phaeacians, until in the course of years, the Bacchiadae, a race sprung
from Ephyra,[1] settled among them; and the Colchians passed to an
island opposite; and thence they were destined to reach the Ceraunian
hills of the Abantes, and the Nestaeans and Oricum; but all this was
fulfilled after long ages had passed. And still the altars which Medea
built on the spot sacred to Apollo, god of shepherds, receive yearly
sacrifices in hono