"what a fine thing it is to listen to such a bard
as we have here – the man sings like a god.
The crown of life, I’d say. There’s nothing better
than when deep joy holds sway throughout the realm
and banqueters up and down the palace sit in ranks,
enthralled to hear the bard, and before them all, the tables
heaped with bread and meats, and drawing wine from a mixing-bowl
the steward makes his rounds and keeps the winecups flowing.
This, to my mind, is the best that life can offer.
But now
you’re set on probing the bitter pains I’ve borne,
so I’m to weep and grieve, it seems, still more."
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 9, lines 3-13. A disguised Odysseus has just listened to the minstrel Demodocus sing of Odysseus’ deeds in the Trojan war. Before telling his own story and revealing who he is, Odysseus makes this speech to the Phaeacian King Alcinous. In a simile he compares Demodocus’ singing to that of a god. He talks of the great joy in listening to the bard perform at this sumptuous palace banquet. But then Odysseus speaks of the pain he feels from listening to Demodocus’ tales.