A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

Studies 87
most row are unripe grapes that cast the blossom, and others
there be that are growing black to vintaging. There,
too, skirting the furthest hne, are all manner of garden
beds, planted trimly, that are perpetually fresh, and
therein are two fountains of water, whereof one scatters
his streams all about the garden, and the other runs over
against it beneath the threshold of the courtyard, and issues
by the lofty house, and thence did the townsfolk
draw water. These were the splendid gifts of the gods
in the palace of Alcinous.
STUDIES
1. a. What features of the marriage are here mentioned? Over
what was the trial?
Who were the Judges, and what part had the
people? What function did the heralds perform? Describe the siege.
What alternative plans had the besiegers in mind? What part did
the gods take in the conflict? b. Describe the plowing scene; the
reaping; the vintage; the preparation of food for the laborers,
c. What
do you infer from the presence of lions as to the condition of the
country? What skilled industry is mentioned? Enumerate all the
occupations pictured on the "Shield." What do you infer from this
list as to the civilization of the country? Name all the metals used in
composing the "Shield."
2. What features of the palace seem to be Mycenaean? Who
were its occupants? Describe the work of the maidservants.
Where was the garden, and what were its fruits? How was it
watered? Combining these selections from Homer with pages 83-5
of the Ancient World, write as full an account as possible of Homeric
life.