THE PALACE OF ALKINOOS.
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( JN a high plain covered with flowers once
aN lived good King Alkinods and his gentle
wissxe people, the Phaiakians.

They were great sailors and went about in silver
ships without rudders or sails.

These wonderful ships went slowly or very fast
just as the sailors wished.

For many years the Phaiakians were peaceful and
happy.

Though they were as brave as they were gentle,
they hated war.

Far below the Phaiakians, in a valley, lived a
people larger, darker, fiercer than themselves.

These dark people cared for nothing so much as
war and conquest.

When they saw the silver ships with the golden
prows, they wanted them for their own.

They armed themselves and made ready fora
great battle.

To be sure of victory, they borrowed the thunder
and lightning from Zeus.

The day came and all was ready for the dark
people to advance.

They reached the land of the Phaiakians in the

CY