38 Nature Myths and Stories.

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, Alkinods comes out
of his palace and smiles brightly uponthem. 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
iriendship.