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When the dance was ended, Demodocus sang a soft lay of love, and after that the two most skilful dancers, one of whom was Laodamas, a son of Alcinous, stood up to dance a reel together. One of them held a crimson ball, and, keeping time to the music flung it high into the air; while the other leaped high from the ground, and caught the ball as it fell.
But there is no greater glory or pleasure for a man than to excel in swiftness of foot and strength of muscle." Odysseus answered him: "Why dost thou urge me, O Laodamas? How can I take part in the games or find any pleasure in them after all that I have suffered? Here I sit, a suppliant, praying to be sent back to my wife and home."
Then a youth who was with Laodamas, Euryalus, who had won in the wrestling bout, said insolently, 'Laodamas is surely mistaken in thinking that thou shouldst be proficient in sports. As I look at thee I think that thou art one who makes voyages for gain a trader whose only thought is for his cargo and his gains, Then said Odysseus with anger. 'Thou hast not spoken well, young man.
Ill fashioned, at least, he is not in his thighs and sinewy legs and hands withal, and his stalwart neck and mighty strength: yea and he lacks not youth, but is crushed by many troubles. For I tell thee there is nought else worse than the sea to confound a man, how hardy soever he may be. And Euryalus in turn made answer, and said: 'Laodamas, verily thou hast spoken this word in season.
Then Alcinous took Odysseus by the hand, and raised him from where he sat, and bade his son Laodamas give place to him. He sat on a chair inlaid with silver and the housedame brought him bread and wine and dainties.
If anyone wants to have a bout with me let him come on, for I am exceedingly angry; I will box, wrestle, or run, I do not care what it is, with any man of you all except Laodamas, but not with him because I am his guest, and one cannot compete with one's own personal friend.
And in leaping Amphialus was far the foremost, and Elatreus in weight-throwing, and in boxing Laodamas, the good son of Alcinous. 'Come, my friends, let us ask the stranger whether he is skilled or practised in any sport.
And whomsoever of the rest his heart and spirit stir thereto, hither let him come and try the issue with me, in boxing or in wrestling or even in the foot race, I care not which, for ye have greatly angered me: let any of all the Phaeacians come save Laodamas alone, for he is mine host: who would strive with one that entreated him kindly?
And if any of you would try with me in boxing or wrestling or even in the foot-race, let him stand forward anyone except Laodamas, for he is of the house that has befriended me. A rude man he would surely be who should strive with his host. All kept silence.
Then Laodamas said to Ulysses, "Wilt thou not try thy skill in some game, and put away the trouble from thy heart?" But Ulysses answered: "Why askest thou this? I think of my troubles rather than of sport, and care only that I may see again my home." Then said another: "And in very truth, stranger, thou hast not the look of a wrestler or boxer.
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