"Hear me, my lords and captains of Phaeacia!
Let Demodocus rest his ringing lyre now –
this song he sings can hardly please us all.
Ever since our meal began and the stirring bard
launched his song, our guest has never paused
in his tears and throbbing sorrow.
Clearly grief has overpowered his heart.
Break off this song! Let us all enjoy ourselves,
the hosts and guest together. Much the warmer way."
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 8, lines 603-611. Alcinous asks Demodocus to stop his song about Odysseus’ exploits in the Trojan war, pointing out their visitor’s sorrow and tears. Odysseus, who becomes emotional during the song, hasn’t revealed who he is to the Phaeacians.