There were boys in the halls dressed in white, holding burning torches.
There were girls weaving wonderful curtains and painting pictures upon the walls.
There were mountains and fountains, and rivers and lakes.
There were singing birds and flower gardens, and little children everywhere.
Even to this day, the great king often sits in his palace in the West when his day’s work is done.
He loves to see the people glide about upon the silver sea, in their ships without rudders or sails.
The fierce, dark people still go to war.
They seldom let the gentle king see them fighting.
Yet often after a brave battle, Alkinoös comes out of his palace and smiles brightly upon them. The dark people blush and seem to smile at the king.
You must find out how much good these dark people do and how the King of the Phaiakians helps them in their work, if you wish to understand their friendship.