rst of all, we must deem it the outer
setting of this Phaeacian world with its spirit and institutions, the
framework of nature transformed which takes its character from within.
Civilized life assumes an external appearance corresponding to itself;
it remodels the physical world after its own pattern. The result is,
this garden is in striking contrast with the bower of Calypso, which is
almost a wild product of nature. The two localities are mirrored
surrounding each home respectively. Again we observe how Homer employs
the description of scenery: he makes it reflect the soul as its center.

In a certain sense we may connect these Phaeacian works with Pallas, who
has directed Ulysses hither; they are the works of intelligence. The
arts and the industries spring up through the transformation of nature.
Here is first noted the palace of the king with certain hints of its
materials and construction; especially have the metals been wrought and
applied to human uses. Gold, silver, steel, brass or bronze are
mentioned in connection with the palace and its marvelous contents.
Thus an ideal sense of architecture we note; still more strongly
indicated is the feeling for sculpture, the supreme Greek art. Those
gold and silver watch-dogs at the entrance, "which Vulcan made by his
skill, deathless and ageless for all time;" those golden boys "upon
their well-built pedestals holding lighted torches in their hands" are
verily indications that the plastic artist has already appeared. The
naive expression of life which the old poet gives to the sculpturesque
shapes in the palace of Alcinous, is fresh as the first look upon a new
world, which is indeed now rising.

But not only the Fine Arts, the Industries also are touched upon.
Weaving is specially emphasized along with navigation, one being the
Phaeacian woman's and the other being the Phaeacian man's most skillful
work. Other occupations are involved in these two. Thus is marked the
beginning of an industrial society.

After the palace the garden is described with its cultivated
fruit-trees--pear, pomegranate, apples--a good orchard for to-day. Of
course the vineyard could not be left out, being so important to the
Greek; three forms of its products are mentioned--the grape, the
raisin, and wine. Finally the last part is set off for kitchen
vegetables, though some translators think that it was for flowers. Nor
must we omit the two fountains, such as often spout up and run through