Odyssey

"To the Æolian island we attain'd,

Αἰολίην δʼ ἐς νῆσον ἀφικόμεθʼ· ἔνθα δʼ ἔναιεν

That swum about still on the sea, where reign'd

Αἴολος Ἱπποτάδης, φίλος ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν,

The God-lov'd Æolus Hippotades.

πλωτῇ ἐνὶ νήσῳ· πᾶσαν δέ τέ μιν πέρι τεῖχος

A wall of steel it had; and in the seas

χάλκεον ἄρρηκτον, λισσὴ δʼ ἀναδέδρομε πέτρη.

A wave-beat-smooth rock mov'd about the wall.

τοῦ καὶ δώδεκα παῖδες ἐνὶ μεγάροις γεγάασιν,

Twelve children in his house imperial

ἓξ μὲν θυγατέρες, ἓξ δʼ υἱέες ἡβώοντες·

Were born to him; of which six daughters were,

ἔνθʼ ὅ γε θυγατέρας πόρεν υἱάσιν εἶναι ἀκοίτις.

And six were sons, that youth's sweet flow'r did bear.

οἱ δʼ αἰεὶ παρὰ πατρὶ φίλῳ καὶ μητέρι κεδνῇ

His daughters to his sons he gave as wives;

δαίνυνται, παρὰ δέ σφιν ὀνείατα μυρία κεῖται,

Who spent in feastful comforts all their lives,

κνισῆεν δέ τε δῶμα περιστεναχίζεται αὐλῇ

Close seated by their sire and his grave spouse.

ἤματα· νύκτας δʼ αὖτε παρʼ αἰδοίῃς ἀλόχοισιν

Past number were the dishes that the house

εὕδουσʼ ἔν τε τάπησι καὶ ἐν τρητοῖσι λέχεσσι.

Made ever savour; and still full the hall

καὶ μὲν τῶν ἱκόμεσθα πόλιν καὶ δώματα καλά.

As long as day shin'd; in the night-time, all

μῆνα δὲ πάντα φίλει με καὶ ἐξερέεινεν ἕκαστα,

Slept with their chaste wives, each his fair carv'd bed

Ἴλιον Ἀργείων τε νέας καὶ νόστον Ἀχαιῶν·

Most richly furnish'd; and this life they led.

καὶ μὲν ἐγὼ τῷ πάντα κατὰ μοῖραν κατέλεξα.

We reach'd the city and fair roofs of these,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ καὶ ἐγὼν ὁδὸν ᾔτεον ἠδʼ ἐκέλευον

Where, a whole month's time, all things that might please

πεμπέμεν, οὐδέ τι κεῖνος ἀνήνατο, τεῦχε δὲ πομπήν.

The king vouchsaf'd us; of great Troy inquir'd,

δῶκε δέ μʼ ἐκδείρας ἀσκὸν βοὸς ἐννεώροιο,

The Grecian fleet, and how the Greeks retir'd.

ἔνθα δὲ βυκτάων ἀνέμων κατέδησε κέλευθα·

To all which I gave answer as behov'd.

κεῖνον γὰρ ταμίην ἀνέμων ποίησε Κρονίων,

The fit time come when I dismission mov'd,

ἠμὲν παυέμεναι ἠδʼ ὀρνύμεν, ὅν κʼ ἐθέλῃσι.

He nothing would deny me, but addrest

νηὶ δʼ ἐνὶ γλαφυρῇ κατέδει μέρμιθι φαεινῇ

My pass with such a bounty, as might best

ἀργυρέῃ, ἵνα μή τι παραπνεύσῃ ὀλίγον περ·

Teach me contentment; for he did enfold

αὐτὰρ ἐμοὶ πνοιὴν Ζεφύρου προέηκεν ἀῆναι,

Within an ox-hide, flay'd at nine years old,

ὄφρα φέροι νῆάς τε καὶ αὐτούς· οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔμελλεν

All th' airy blasts that were of stormy kinds.

ἐκτελέειν· αὐτῶν γὰρ ἀπωλόμεθʼ ἀφραδίῃσιν.

Saturnius made him Steward of his Winds,

ἐννῆμαρ μὲν ὁμῶς πλέομεν νύκτας τε καὶ ἦμαρ,

And gave him pow'r to raise and to assuage.

τῇ δεκάτῃ δʼ ἤδη ἀνεφαίνετο πατρὶς ἄρουρα,

And these he gave me, curb'd thus of their rage,

καὶ δὴ πυρπολέοντας ἐλεύσσομεν ἐγγὺς ἐόντες·

Which in a glitt'ring silver band I bound,

ἔνθʼ ἐμὲ μὲν γλυκὺς ὕπνος ἐπήλυθε κεκμηῶτα,

And hung-up in my ship, enclos'd so round

αἰεὶ γὰρ πόδα νηὸς ἐνώμων, οὐδέ τῳ ἄλλῳ

That no egression any breath could find;

δῶχʼ ἑτάρων, ἵνα θᾶσσον ἱκοίμεθα πατρίδα γαῖαν·

Only he left abroad the Western Wind,

οἱ δʼ ἕταροι ἐπέεσσι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον,

To speed our ships, and us with blasts secure.

καί μʼ ἔφασαν χρυσόν τε καὶ ἄργυρον οἴκαδʼ ἄγεσθαι

But our securities made all unsure;

δῶρα παρʼ Αἰόλου μεγαλήτορος Ἱπποτάδαο.

Nor could he consummate our course alone,

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν ἐς πλησίον ἄλλον·

When all the rest had got egressión;

ὦ πόποι, ὡς ὅδε πᾶσι φίλος καὶ τίμιός ἐστιν

Which thus succeeded: Nine whole days and nights

ἀνθρώποις, ὅτεών τε πόλιν καὶ γαῖαν ἵκηται.

We sail'd in safety; and the tenth, the lights

πολλὰ μὲν ἐκ Τροίης ἄγεται κειμήλια καλὰ

Borne on our country-earth we might descry,

ληίδος, ἡμεῖς δʼ αὖτε ὁμὴν ὁδὸν ἐκτελέσαντες

So near we drew; and yet ev'n then fell I,

οἴκαδε νισσόμεθα κενεὰς σὺν χεῖρας ἔχοντες·

Being overwatch'd, into a fatal sleep,

καὶ νῦν οἱ τάδʼ ἔδωκε χαριζόμενος φιλότητι

For I would suffer no man else to keep

Αἴολος. ἀλλʼ ἄγε θᾶσσον ἰδώμεθα ὅττι τάδʼ ἐστίν,

The foot that rul'd my vessel's course, to lead

ὅσσος τις χρυσός τε καὶ ἄργυρος ἀσκῷ ἔνεστιν.

The faster home. My friends then Envy fed

ὣς ἔφασαν, βουλὴ δὲ κακὴ νίκησεν ἑταίρων·

About the bag I hung-up, and suppos'd

ἀσκὸν μὲν λῦσαν, ἄνεμοι δʼ ἐκ πάντες ὄρουσαν.

That gold and silver I had there enclos'd,

τοὺς δʼ αἶψʼ ἁρπάξασα φέρεν πόντονδε θύελλα

As gift from Æolus, and said: 'O heav'n!

κλαίοντας, γαίης ἄπο πατρίδος. αὐτὰρ ἐγώ γε

What grace and grave price is by all men giv'n

ἐγρόμενος κατὰ θυμὸν ἀμύμονα μερμήριξα,

To our commander! Whatsoever coast

ἠὲ πεσὼν ἐκ νηὸς ἀποφθίμην ἐνὶ πόντῳ,

Or town he comes to, how much he engrost

ἦ ἀκέων τλαίην καὶ ἔτι ζωοῖσι μετείην.

Of fair and precious prey, and brought from Troy!

ἀλλʼ ἔτλην καὶ ἔμεινα, καλυψάμενος δʼ ἐνὶ νηὶ

We the same voyage went, and yet enjoy

κείμην. αἱ δʼ ἐφέροντο κακῇ ἀνέμοιο θυέλλῃ

In our return these empty hands for all.

αὖτις ἐπʼ Αἰολίην νῆσον, στενάχοντο δʼ ἑταῖροι.

This bag, now, Æolus was so liberal

ἔνθα δʼ ἐπʼ ἠπείρου βῆμεν καὶ ἀφυσσάμεθʼ ὕδωρ,

To make a guest-gift to him; let us try

αἶψα δὲ δεῖπνον ἕλοντο θοῇς παρὰ νηυσὶν ἑταῖροι.

Of what consists the fair-bound treasury,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ σίτοιό τʼ ἐπασσάμεθʼ ἠδὲ ποτῆτος,

And how much gold and silver it contains.'

δὴ τότʼ ἐγὼ κήρυκά τʼ ὀπασσάμενος καὶ ἑταῖρον

Ill counsel present approbation gains.

βῆν εἰς Αἰόλου κλυτὰ δώματα· τὸν δʼ ἐκίχανον

They op'd the bag, and out the vapours brake,

δαινύμενον παρὰ ᾗ τʼ ἀλόχῳ καὶ οἷσι τέκεσσιν.

When instant tempest did our vessel take,

ἐλθόντες δʼ ἐς δῶμα παρὰ σταθμοῖσιν ἐπʼ οὐδοῦ

That bore us back to sea, to mourn anew

ἑζόμεθʼ· οἱ δʼ ἀνὰ θυμὸν ἐθάμβεον ἔκ τʼ ἐρέοντο·

Our absent country. Up amaz'd I flew,

πῶς ἦλθες, Ὀδυσεῦ; τίς τοι κακὸς ἔχραε δαίμων;

And desp'rate things discours'd; if I should cast

ἦ μέν σʼ ἐνδυκέως ἀπεπέμπομεν, ὄφρʼ ἀφίκοιο

Myself to ruin in the seas, or taste

πατρίδα σὴν καὶ δῶμα καὶ εἴ πού τοι φίλον ἐστίν.

Amongst the living more moan, and sustain?

ὣς φάσαν, αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ μετεφώνεον ἀχνύμενος κῆρ·

Silent, I did so, and lay hid again

ἄασάν μʼ ἕταροί τε κακοὶ πρὸς τοῖσί τε ὕπνος

Beneath the hatches, while an ill wind took

σχέτλιος. ἀλλʼ ἀκέσασθε, φίλοι· δύναμις γὰρ ἐν ὑμῖν.

My ships back to Æolia, my men strook

ὣς ἐφάμην μαλακοῖσι καθαπτόμενος ἐπέεσσιν,

With woe enough. We pump'd and landed then,

οἱ δʼ ἄνεῳ ἐγένοντο· πατὴρ δʼ ἠμείβετο μύθῳ·

Took food, for all this; and of all my men

I took a herald to me, and away

Went to the court of Æolus, where they

Were feasting still; he, wife, and children, set

Together close. We would not at their meat

Thrust in; but humbly on the threshold sat.

He then, amaz'd, my presence wonder'd at,

And call'd to me: 'Ulysses! How thus back

Art thou arriv'd here? What foul spirit brake

Into thy bosom, to retire thee thus?

We thought we had deduction curious

Giv'n thee before, to reach thy shore and home;

Did it not like thee?' I, ev'n overcome

With worthy sorrow, answer'd: 'My ill men

Have done me mischief, and to them hath been

My sleep th' unhappy motive; but do you,

Dearest of friends, deign succour to my vow.

Your pow'rs command it.' Thus endeavour'd I

With soft speech to repair my misery.

ἔρρʼ ἐκ νήσου θᾶσσον, ἐλέγχιστε ζωόντων·

The rest with ruth sat dumb. But thus spake he:

οὐ γάρ μοι θέμις ἐστὶ κομιζέμεν οὐδʼ ἀποπέμπειν

'Avaunt, and quickly quit my land of thee,

ἄνδρα τόν, ὅς κε θεοῖσιν ἀπέχθηται μακάρεσσιν·

Thou worst of all that breathe. It fits not me

ἔρρε, ἐπεὶ ἄρα θεοῖσιν ἀπεχθόμενος τόδʼ ἱκάνεις.

To convoy, and take-in, whom Heav'ns expose.

ὣς εἰπὼν ἀπέπεμπε δόμων βαρέα στενάχοντα.

Away, and with thee go the worst of woes,

ἔνθεν δὲ προτέρω πλέομεν ἀκαχήμενοι ἦτορ.

That seek'st my friendship, and the Gods thy foes.'

τείρετο δʼ ἀνδρῶν θυμὸς ὑπʼ εἰρεσίης ἀλεγεινῆς

Thus he dismiss'd me sighing. Forth we sail'd,

ἡμετέρῃ ματίῃ, ἐπεὶ οὐκέτι φαίνετο πομπή.

At heart afflicted. And now wholly fail'd

ἑξῆμαρ μὲν ὁμῶς πλέομεν νύκτας τε καὶ ἦμαρ,

The minds my men sustain'd, so spent they were

ἑβδομάτῃ δʼ ἱκόμεσθα Λάμου αἰπὺ πτολίεθρον,

With toiling at their oars, and worse did bear

Τηλέπυλον Λαιστρυγονίην, ὅθι ποιμένα ποιμὴν

Their growing labours; and they caus'd their grought

ἠπύει εἰσελάων, ὁ δέ τʼ ἐξελάων ὑπακούει.

By self-will'd follies; nor now ever thought

ἔνθα κʼ ἄυπνος ἀνὴρ δοιοὺς ἐξήρατο μισθούς,

To see their country more. Six nights and days

τὸν μὲν βουκολέων, τὸν δʼ ἄργυφα μῆλα νομεύων·

We sail'd; the seventh we saw fair Lamos raise

ἐγγὺς γὰρ νυκτός τε καὶ ἤματός εἰσι κέλευθοι.

Her lofty tow'rs, the Læstrygonian state

ἔνθʼ ἐπεὶ ἐς λιμένα κλυτὸν ἤλθομεν, ὃν πέρι πέτρη

That bears her ports so far disterminate;

ἠλίβατος τετύχηκε διαμπερὲς ἀμφοτέρωθεν,

Where shepherd shepherd calls out, he at home

ἀκταὶ δὲ προβλῆτες ἐναντίαι ἀλλήλῃσιν

Is call'd out by the other that doth come

ἐν στόματι προύχουσιν, ἀραιὴ δʼ εἴσοδός ἐστιν,

From charge abroad, and then goes he to sleep,

ἔνθʼ οἵ γʼ εἴσω πάντες ἔχον νέας ἀμφιελίσσας.

The other issuing; he whose turn doth keep

αἱ μὲν ἄρʼ ἔντοσθεν λιμένος κοίλοιο δέδεντο

The night observance hath his double hire,

πλησίαι· οὐ μὲν γάρ ποτʼ ἀέξετο κῦμά γʼ ἐν αὐτῷ,

Since day and night in equal length expire

οὔτε μέγʼ οὔτʼ ὀλίγον, λευκὴ δʼ ἦν ἀμφὶ γαλήνη·

About that region, and the night's watch weigh'd

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν οἶος σχέθον ἔξω νῆα μέλαιναν,

At twice the day's ward, since the charge that's laid

αὐτοῦ ἐπʼ ἐσχατιῇ, πέτρης ἐκ πείσματα δήσας·

Upon the night's-man (besides breach of sleep)

ἔστην δὲ σκοπιὴν ἐς παιπαλόεσσαν ἀνελθών.

Exceeds the days-man's; for one oxen keep,

ἔνθα μὲν οὔτε βοῶν οὔτʼ ἀνδρῶν φαίνετο ἔργα,

The other sheep. But when the haven we found,

καπνὸν δʼ οἶον ὁρῶμεν ἀπὸ χθονὸς ἀίσσοντα.

(Exceeding famous, and environ'd round

δὴ τότʼ ἐγὼν ἑτάρους προΐειν πεύθεσθαι ἰόντας,

With one continuate rock, which so much bent

οἵ τινες ἀνέρες εἶεν ἐπὶ χθονὶ σῖτον ἔδοντες,

That both ends almost met, so prominent

ἄνδρε δύω κρίνας, τρίτατον κήρυχʼ ἅμʼ ὀπάσσας.

They were, and made the haven's mouth passing strait)

οἱ δʼ ἴσαν ἐκβάντες λείην ὁδόν, ᾗ περ ἄμαξαι

Our whole fleet in we got; in whose receit

ἄστυδʼ ἀφʼ ὑψηλῶν ὀρέων καταγίνεον ὕλην,

Our ships lay anchor'd close. Nor needed we

κούρῃ δὲ ξύμβληντο πρὸ ἄστεος ὑδρευούσῃ,

Fear harm on any stays, Tranquillity

θυγατέρʼ ἰφθίμῃ Λαιστρυγόνος Ἀντιφάταο.

So purely sat there, that waves great nor small

ἡ μὲν ἄρʼ ἐς κρήνην κατεβήσετο καλλιρέεθρον

Did ever rise to any height at all.

Ἀρτακίην· ἔνθεν γὰρ ὕδωρ προτὶ ἄστυ φέρεσκον·

And yet would I no entry make, but stay'd

οἱ δὲ παριστάμενοι προσεφώνεον ἔκ τʼ ἐρέοντο

Alone without the haven, and thence survey'd,

ὅς τις τῶνδʼ εἴη βασιλεὺς καὶ οἷσιν ἀνάσσοι·

From out a lofty watch-tow'r raised there,

ἡ δὲ μάλʼ αὐτίκα πατρὸς ἐπέφραδεν ὑψερεφὲς δῶ.

The country round about; nor anywhere

οἱ δʼ ἐπεὶ εἰσῆλθον κλυτὰ δώματα, τὴν δὲ γυναῖκα

The work of man or beast appear'd to me,

εὗρον, ὅσην τʼ ὄρεος κορυφήν, κατὰ δʼ ἔστυγον αὐτήν.

Only a smoke from earth break I might see.

ἡ δʼ αἶψʼ ἐξ ἀγορῆς ἐκάλει κλυτὸν Ἀντιφατῆα,

I then made choice of two, and added more,

ὃν πόσιν, ὃς δὴ τοῖσιν ἐμήσατο λυγρὸν ὄλεθρον.

A herald for associate, to explore

αὐτίχʼ ἕνα μάρψας ἑτάρων ὡπλίσσατο δεῖπνον·

What sort of men liv'd there. They went, and saw

τὼ δὲ δύʼ ἀίξαντε φυγῇ ἐπὶ νῆας ἱκέσθην.

A beaten way, through which carts us'd to draw

αὐτὰρ ὁ τεῦχε βοὴν διὰ ἄστεος· οἱ δʼ ἀίοντες

Wood from the high hills to the town, and met

φοίτων ἴφθιμοι Λαιστρυγόνες ἄλλοθεν ἄλλος,

A maid without the port, about to get

μυρίοι, οὐκ ἄνδρεσσιν ἐοικότες, ἀλλὰ Γίγασιν.

Some near spring-water. She the daughter was

οἵ ῥʼ ἀπὸ πετράων ἀνδραχθέσι χερμαδίοισιν

Of mighty Læstrygonian Antiphas,

βάλλον· ἄφαρ δὲ κακὸς κόναβος κατὰ νῆας ὀρώρει

And to the clear spring call'd Artacia went,

ἀνδρῶν τʼ ὀλλυμένων νηῶν θʼ ἅμα ἀγνυμενάων·

To which the whole town for their water sent.

ἰχθῦς δʼ ὣς πείροντες ἀτερπέα δαῖτα φέροντο.

To her they came, and ask'd who govern'd there,

ὄφρʼ οἱ τοὺς ὄλεκον λιμένος πολυβενθέος ἐντός,

And what the people whom he order'd were?

τόφρα δʼ ἐγὼ ξίφος ὀξὺ ἐρυσσάμενος παρὰ μηροῦ

She answer'd not, but led them through the port,

τῷ ἀπὸ πείσματʼ ἔκοψα νεὸς κυανοπρῴροιο.

As making haste to show her father's court.

αἶψα δʼ ἐμοῖς ἑτάροισιν ἐποτρύνας ἐκέλευσα

Where enter'd, they beheld, to their affright,

ἐμβαλέειν κώπῃς, ἵνʼ ὑπὲκ κακότητα φύγοιμεν·

A woman like a mountain-top in height,

οἱ δʼ ἅλα πάντες ἀνέρριψαν, δείσαντες ὄλεθρον.

Who rush'd abroad, and from the council-place

ἀσπασίως δʼ ἐς πόντον ἐπηρεφέας φύγε πέτρας

Call'd home her horrid husband Antiphas,

νηῦς ἐμή· αὐτὰρ αἱ ἄλλαι ἀολλέες αὐτόθʼ ὄλοντο.

Who, deadly-minded, straight he snatch'd up one,

ἔνθεν δὲ προτέρω πλέομεν ἀκαχήμενοι ἦτορ,

And fell to supper. Both the rest were gone;

ἄσμενοι ἐκ θανάτοιο, φίλους ὀλέσαντες ἑταίρους.

And to the fleet came. Antiphas a cry

Αἰαίην δʼ ἐς νῆσον ἀφικόμεθʼ· ἔνθα δʼ ἔναιε

Drave through the city; which heard, instantly

Κίρκη ἐυπλόκαμος, δεινὴ θεὸς αὐδήεσσα,

This way and that innumerable sorts,

αὐτοκασιγνήτη ὀλοόφρονος Αἰήταο·

Not men, but giants, issued through the ports,

ἄμφω δʼ ἐκγεγάτην φαεσιμβρότου Ἠελίοιο

And mighty flints from rocks tore, which they threw

μητρός τʼ ἐκ Πέρσης, τὴν Ὠκεανὸς τέκε παῖδα.

Amongst our ships; through which an ill noise flew

ἔνθα δʼ ἐπʼ ἀκτῆς νηὶ κατηγαγόμεσθα σιωπῇ

Of shiver'd ships, and life-expiring men,

ναύλοχον ἐς λιμένα, καί τις θεὸς ἡγεμόνευεν.

That were, like fishes, by the monsters slain,

ἔνθα τότʼ ἐκβάντες δύο τʼ ἤματα καὶ δύο νύκτας

And borne to sad feast. While they slaughter'd these,

κείμεθʼ ὁμοῦ καμάτῳ τε καὶ ἄλγεσι θυμὸν ἔδοντες.

That were engag'd in all th' advantages

The close-mouth'd and most dead-calm haven could give,

I, that without lay, made some means to live,

My sword drew, cut my gables, and to oars

Set all my men; and, from the plagues those shores

Let fly amongst us, we made haste to fly,

My men close working as men loth to die.

My ship flew freely off; but theirs that lay

On heaps in harbours could enforce no way

Through these stern fates that had engag'd them there.

Forth our sad remnant sail'd, yet still retain'd

The joys of men, that our poor few remain'd.

Then to the isle Ææa we attain'd,

Where fair-hair'd, dreadful, eloquent Circe reign'd,

Ææta's sister both by dame and sire,

Both daughters to Heav'n's man-enlight'ning Fire,

And Perse, whom Oceanus begat,

The ship-fit port here soon we landed at,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ τρίτον ἦμαρ ἐυπλόκαμος τέλεσʼ Ἠώς,

Some God directing us. Two days, two nights,

καὶ τότʼ ἐγὼν ἐμὸν ἔγχος ἑλὼν καὶ φάσγανον ὀξὺ

We lay here pining in the fatal spights

καρπαλίμως παρὰ νηὸς ἀνήιον ἐς περιωπήν,

Of toil and sorrow; but the next third day

εἴ πως ἔργα ἴδοιμι βροτῶν ἐνοπήν τε πυθοίμην.

When fair Aurora had inform'd, quick way

ἔστην δὲ σκοπιὴν ἐς παιπαλόεσσαν ἀνελθών,

I made out of my ship, my sword and lance

καί μοι ἐείσατο καπνὸς ἀπὸ χθονὸς εὐρυοδείης,

Took for my surer guide, and made advance

Κίρκης ἐν μεγάροισι, διὰ δρυμὰ πυκνὰ καὶ ὕλην.

Up to a prospect; I assay to see

μερμήριξα δʼ ἔπειτα κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμὸν

The works of men, or hear mortality

ἐλθεῖν ἠδὲ πυθέσθαι, ἐπεὶ ἴδον αἴθοπα καπνόν.

Exspire a voice. When I had climb'd a height,

ὧδε δέ μοι φρονέοντι δοάσσατο κέρδιον εἶναι,

Rough and right hardly accessible, I might

πρῶτʼ ἐλθόντʼ ἐπὶ νῆα θοὴν καὶ θῖνα θαλάσσης

Behold from Circe's house, that in a grove

δεῖπνον ἑταίροισιν δόμεναι προέμεν τε πυθέσθαι.

Set thick with trees stood, a bright vapour move,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ σχεδὸν ἦα κιὼν νεὸς ἀμφιελίσσης,

I then grew curious in my thought to try

καὶ τότε τίς με θεῶν ὀλοφύρατο μοῦνον ἐόντα,

Some fit inquiry, when so spritely fly

ὅς ῥά μοι ὑψίκερων ἔλαφον μέγαν εἰς ὁδὸν αὐτὴν

I saw the yellow smoke; but my discourse

ἧκεν. ὁ μὲν ποταμόνδε κατήιεν ἐκ νομοῦ ὕλης

A first retiring to my ship gave force,

πιόμενος· δὴ γάρ μιν ἔχεν μένος ἠελίοιο.

To give my men their dinner, and to send

τὸν δʼ ἐγὼ ἐκβαίνοντα κατʼ ἄκνηστιν μέσα νῶτα

(Before th' adventure of myself) some friend.

πλῆξα· τὸ δʼ ἀντικρὺ δόρυ χάλκεον ἐξεπέρησε,

Being near my ship, of one so desolate

κὰδ δʼ ἔπεσʼ ἐν κονίῃσι μακών, ἀπὸ δʼ ἔπτατο θυμός.

Some God had pity, and would recreate

τῷ δʼ ἐγὼ ἐμβαίνων δόρυ χάλκεον ἐξ ὠτειλῆς

My woes a little, putting up to me

εἰρυσάμην· τὸ μὲν αὖθι κατακλίνας ἐπὶ γαίῃ

A great and high-palm'd hart, that (fatally,

εἴασʼ· αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ σπασάμην ῥῶπάς τε λύγους τε,

Just in my way itself to taste a flood)

πεῖσμα δʼ, ὅσον τʼ ὄργυιαν, ἐυστρεφὲς ἀμφοτέρωθεν

Was then descending; the sun heat had sure

πλεξάμενος συνέδησα πόδας δεινοῖο πελώρου,

Importun'd him, besides the temperature

βῆν δὲ καταλοφάδεια φέρων ἐπὶ νῆα μέλαιναν

His natural heat gave. Howsoever, I

ἔγχει ἐρειδόμενος, ἐπεὶ οὔ πως ἦεν ἐπʼ ὤμου

Made up to him, and let my jav'lin fly,

χειρὶ φέρειν ἑτέρῃ· μάλα γὰρ μέγα θηρίον ἦεν.

That struck him through the mid-part of his chine,

κὰδʼ δʼ ἔβαλον προπάροιθε νεός, ἀνέγειρα δʼ ἑταίρους

And made him, braying, to the dust confine

μειλιχίοις ἐπέεσσι παρασταδὸν ἄνδρα ἕκαστον·

His flying forces. Forth his spirit flew;

ὦ φίλοι, οὐ γάρ πω καταδυσόμεθʼ ἀχνύμενοί περ

When I stept in, and from the death's wound drew

εἰς Ἀίδαο δόμους, πρὶν μόρσιμον ἦμαρ ἐπέλθῃ·

My shrewdly-bitten lance; there let him lie

ἀλλʼ ἄγετʼ, ὄφρʼ ἐν νηὶ θοῇ βρῶσίς τε πόσις τε,

Till I, of cut-up osiers, did imply

μνησόμεθα βρώμης, μηδὲ τρυχώμεθα λιμῷ.

A withe a fathom long, with which his feet

ὣς ἐφάμην, οἱ δʼ ὦκα ἐμοῖς ἐπέεσσι πίθοντο,

I made together in a sure league meet,

ἐκ δὲ καλυψάμενοι παρὰ θῖνʼ ἁλὸς ἀτρυγέτοιο

Stoop'd under him, and to my neck I heav'd

θηήσαντʼ ἔλαφον· μάλα γὰρ μέγα θηρίον ἦεν.

The mighty burden, of which I receiv'd

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ τάρπησαν ὁρώμενοι ὀφθαλμοῖσιν,

A good part on my lance, for else I could

χεῖρας νιψάμενοι τεύχοντʼ ἐρικυδέα δαῖτα.

By no means with one hand alone uphold

ὣς τότε μὲν πρόπαν ἦμαρ ἐς ἠέλιον καταδύντα

(Join'd with one shoulder) such a deathful load.

ἥμεθα δαινύμενοι κρέα τʼ ἄσπετα καὶ μέθυ ἡδύ·

And so, to both my shoulders, both hands stood

ἦμος δʼ ἠέλιος κατέδυ καὶ ἐπὶ κνέφας ἦλθε,

Needful assistants; for it was a deer

δὴ τότε κοιμήθημεν ἐπὶ ῥηγμῖνι θαλάσσης.

Goodly-well-grown. When (coming something near

ἦμος δʼ ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

Where rode my ships) I cast it down, and rear'd

καὶ τότʼ ἐγὼν ἀγορὴν θέμενος μετὰ πᾶσιν ἔειπον·

My friends with kind words; whom by name I cheer'd,

κέκλυτέ μευ μύθων, κακά περ πάσχοντες ἑταῖροι·

In note particular, and said: 'See, friends,

ὦ φίλοι, οὐ γάρ τʼ ἴδμεν, ὅπῃ ζόφος οὐδʼ ὅπῃ ἠώς,

We will not yet to Pluto's house; our ends

οὐδʼ ὅπῃ ἠέλιος φαεσίμβροτος εἶσʼ ὑπὸ γαῖαν,

Shall not be hasten'd, though we be declin'd

οὐδʼ ὅπῃ ἀννεῖται· ἀλλὰ φραζώμεθα θᾶσσον

In cause of comfort, till the day design'd

εἴ τις ἔτʼ ἔσται μῆτις. ἐγὼ δʼ οὔκ οἴομαι εἶναι.

By Fate's fix'd finger. Come, as long as food

εἶδον γὰρ σκοπιὴν ἐς παιπαλόεσσαν ἀνελθὼν

Or wine lasts in our ship, let's spirit our blood,

νῆσον, τὴν πέρι πόντος ἀπείριτος ἐστεφάνωται·

And quit our care and hunger both in one.'

αὐτὴ δὲ χθαμαλὴ κεῖται· καπνὸν δʼ ἐνὶ μέσσῃ

This said, they frolick'd, came, and look'd upon

ἔδρακον ὀφθαλμοῖσι διὰ δρυμὰ πυκνὰ καὶ ὕλην.

With admiration the huge-bodied beast;

ὣς ἐφάμην, τοῖσιν δὲ κατεκλάσθη φίλον ἦτορ

And when their first-serv'd eyes had done their feast,

μνησαμένοις ἔργων Λαιστρυγόνος Ἀντιφάταο

They wash'd, and made a to-be-striv'd-for meal

Κύκλωπός τε βίης μεγαλήτορος, ἀνδροφάγοιο.

In point of honour. On which all did dwell

κλαῖον δὲ λιγέως θαλερὸν κατὰ δάκρυ χέοντες·

The whole day long. And, to our venison's store,

ἀλλʼ οὐ γάρ τις πρῆξις ἐγίγνετο μυρομένοισιν.

We added wine till we could wish no more.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ δίχα πάντας ἐυκνήμιδας ἑταίρους

Sun set, and darkness up, we slept, till light

ἠρίθμεον, ἀρχὸν δὲ μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ὄπασσα·

Put darkness down; and then did I excite

τῶν μὲν ἐγὼν ἦρχον, τῶν δʼ Εὐρύλοχος θεοειδής.

My friends to counsel, utt'ring this: 'Now, friends,

κλήρους δʼ ἐν κυνέῃ χαλκήρεϊ πάλλομεν ὦκα·

Afford unpassionate ear; though ill Fate lends

ἐκ δʼ ἔθορε κλῆρος μεγαλήτορος Εὐρυλόχοιο.

So good cause to your passion, no man knows

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι, ἅμα τῷ γε δύω καὶ εἴκοσʼ ἑταῖροι

The reason whence and how the darkness grows;

κλαίοντες· κατὰ δʼ ἄμμε λίπον γοόωντας ὄπισθεν.

The reason how the morn is thus begun;

εὗρον δʼ ἐν βήσσῃσι τετυγμένα δώματα Κίρκης

The reason how the man-enlight'ning sun

ξεστοῖσιν λάεσσι, περισκέπτῳ ἐνὶ χώρῳ·

Dives under earth; the reason how again

ἀμφὶ δέ μιν λύκοι ἦσαν ὀρέστεροι ἠδὲ λέοντες,

He rears his golden head. Those counsels, then,

τοὺς αὐτὴ κατέθελξεν, ἐπεὶ κακὰ φάρμακʼ ἔδωκεν.

That pass our comprehension, we must leave

οὐδʼ οἵ γʼ ὡρμήθησαν ἐπʼ ἀνδράσιν, ἀλλʼ ἄρα τοί γε

To him that knows their causes; and receive

Direction from him in our acts, as far

As he shall please to make them regular,

And stoop them to our reason. In our state

What then behoves us? Can we estimate,

With all our counsels, where we are? Or know

(Without instruction, past our own skills) how,

Put off from hence, to steer our course the more?

I think we cannot. We must then explore

These parts for information; in which way

We thus far are: Last morn I might display

(From off a high-rais'd cliff) an island lie

Girt with th' unmeasur'd sea, and is so nigh

That in the midst I saw the smoke arise

Through tufts of trees. This rests then to advise,

Who shall explore this?' This struck dead their hearts,

Rememb'ring the most execrable parts

That Læstrygonian Antiphas had play'd,

And that foul Cyclop that their fellows bray'd

οὐρῇσιν μακρῇσι περισσαίνοντες ἀνέσταν.

Betwixt his jaws; which mov'd them so, they cried.

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἂν ἀμφὶ ἄνακτα κύνες δαίτηθεν ἰόντα

But idle tears had never wants supplied.

σαίνωσʼ, αἰεὶ γάρ τε φέρει μειλίγματα θυμοῦ,

I in two parts divided all, and gave

ὣς τοὺς ἀμφὶ λύκοι κρατερώνυχες ἠδὲ λέοντες

To either part his captain. I must have

σαῖνον· τοὶ δʼ ἔδεισαν, ἐπεὶ ἴδον αἰνὰ πέλωρα.

The charge of one; and one of God-like look,

ἔσταν δʼ ἐν προθύροισι θεᾶς καλλιπλοκάμοιο,

Eurylochus, the other. Lots we shook,

Κίρκης δʼ ἔνδον ἄκουον ἀειδούσης ὀπὶ καλῇ,

Put in a casque together, which of us

ἱστὸν ἐποιχομένης μέγαν ἄμβροτον, οἷα θεάων

Should lead th' attempt; and 'twas Eurylochus.

λεπτά τε καὶ χαρίεντα καὶ ἀγλαὰ ἔργα πέλονται.

He freely went, with two-and-twenty more;

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε Πολίτης ὄρχαμος ἀνδρῶν,

All which took leave with tears; and our eyes wore

ὅς μοι κήδιστος ἑτάρων ἦν κεδνότατός τε·

The same wet badge of weak humanity.

ὦ φίλοι, ἔνδον γάρ τις ἐποιχομένη μέγαν ἱστὸν

These in a dale did Circe's house descry,

καλὸν ἀοιδιάει, δάπεδον δʼ ἅπαν ἀμφιμέμυκεν,

Of bright stone built, in a conspicuous way.

ἢ θεὸς ἠὲ γυνή· ἀλλὰ φθεγγώμεθα θᾶσσον.

Before her gates hill-wolves, and lions, lay;

ὣς ἄρʼ ἐφώνησεν, τοὶ δὲ φθέγγοντο καλεῦντες.

Which with her virtuous drugs so tame she made,

ἡ δʼ αἶψʼ ἐξελθοῦσα θύρας ὤιξε φαεινὰς

That wolf nor lion would one man invade

καὶ κάλει· οἱ δʼ ἅμα πάντες ἀιδρείῃσιν ἕποντο·

With any violence, but all arose,

Εὐρύλοχος δʼ ὑπέμεινεν, ὀισάμενος δόλον εἶναι.

Their huge long tails wagg'd, and in fawns would close,

εἷσεν δʼ εἰσαγαγοῦσα κατὰ κλισμούς τε θρόνους τε,

As loving dogs, when masters bring them home

ἐν δέ σφιν τυρόν τε καὶ ἄλφιτα καὶ μέλι χλωρὸν

Relics of feast, in all observance come,

οἴνῳ Πραμνείῳ ἐκύκα· ἀνέμισγε δὲ σίτῳ

And soothe their entries with their fawns and bounds,

φάρμακα λύγρʼ, ἵνα πάγχυ λαθοίατο πατρίδος αἴης.

All guests still bringing some scraps for their hounds;

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δῶκέν τε καὶ ἔκπιον, αὐτίκʼ ἔπειτα

So, on these men, the wolves and lions ramp'd,

ῥάβδῳ πεπληγυῖα κατὰ συφεοῖσιν ἐέργνυ.

Their horrid paws set up. Their spirits were damp'd

οἱ δὲ συῶν μὲν ἔχον κεφαλὰς φωνήν τε τρίχας τε

To see such monstrous kindness, stay'd at gate,

καὶ δέμας, αὐτὰρ νοῦς ἦν ἔμπεδος, ὡς τὸ πάρος περ.

And heard within the Goddess elevate

ὣς οἱ μὲν κλαίοντες ἐέρχατο, τοῖσι δὲ Κίρκη

A voice divine, as at her web she wrought,

πάρ ῥʼ ἄκυλον βάλανόν τε βάλεν καρπόν τε κρανείης

Subtle, and glorious, and past earthly thought,

ἔδμεναι, οἷα σύες χαμαιευνάδες αἰὲν ἔδουσιν.

As all the housewif'ries of Deities are.

Εὐρύλοχος δʼ αἶψʼ ἦλθε θοὴν ἐπὶ νῆα μέλαιναν

To hear a voice so ravishingly rare,

ἀγγελίην ἑτάρων ἐρέων καὶ ἀδευκέα πότμον.

Polités (one exceeding dear to me,

οὐδέ τι ἐκφάσθαι δύνατο ἔπος ἱέμενός περ,

A prince of men, and of no mean degree

κῆρ ἄχεϊ μεγάλῳ βεβολημένος· ἐν δέ οἱ ὄσσε

In knowing virtue, in all acts whose mind

δακρυόφιν πίμπλαντο, γόον δʼ ὠίετο θυμός.

Discreet cares all ways us'd to turn, and wind)

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή μιν πάντες ἀγασσάμεθʼ ἐξερέοντες,

Was yet surpris'd with it, and said: 'O friends,

καὶ τότε τῶν ἄλλων ἑτάρων κατέλεξεν ὄλεθρον·

Some one abides within here, that commends

ἤιομεν, ὡς ἐκέλευες, ἀνὰ δρυμά, φαίδιμʼ Ὀδυσσεῦ·

The place to us, and breathes a voice divine,

εὕρομεν ἐν βήσσῃσι τετυγμένα δώματα καλὰ

As she some web wrought, or her spindle's twine

ξεστοῖσιν λάεσσι, περισκέπτῳ ἐνὶ χώρῳ.

She cherish'd with her song; the pavement rings

ἔνθα δέ τις μέγαν ἱστὸν ἐποιχομένη λίγʼ ἄειδεν,

With imitation of the tunes she sings.

ἢ θεὸς ἠὲ γυνή· τοὶ δὲ φθέγγοντο καλεῦντες.

Some woman, or some Goddess, 'tis. Assay

ἡ δʼ αἶψʼ ἐξελθοῦσα θύρας ὤιξε φαεινὰς

To see with knocking.' Thus said he, and they

καὶ κάλει· οἱ δʼ ἅμα πάντες ἀιδρείῃσιν ἕποντο·

Both knock'd, and call'd; and straight her shining gates

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ὑπέμεινα, ὀισάμενος δόλον εἶναι.

She open'd, issuing, bade them in to cates.

οἱ δʼ ἅμʼ ἀιστώθησαν ἀολλέες, οὐδέ τις αὐτῶν

Led, and unwise, they follow'd; all but one,

ἐξεφάνη· δηρὸν δὲ καθήμενος ἐσκοπίαζον.

Which was Eurylochus, who stood alone

ὣς ἔφατʼ, αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ περὶ μὲν ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον

Without the gates, suspicious of a sleight.

ὤμοιιν βαλόμην, μέγα χάλκεον, ἀμφὶ δὲ τόξα·

They enter'd, she made sit; and her deceit

τὸν δʼ ἂψ ἠνώγεα αὐτὴν ὁδὸν ἡγήσασθαι.

She cloak'd with thrones, and goodly chairs of state;

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἀμφοτέρῃσι λαβὼν ἐλλίσσετο γούνων

Set herby honey, and the delicate

καί μʼ ὀλοφυρόμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Wine brought from Smynra, to them; meal and cheese;

μή μʼ ἄγε κεῖσʼ ἀέκοντα, διοτρεφές, ἀλλὰ λίπʼ αὐτοῦ.

But harmful venoms she commix'd with these,

οἶδα γάρ, ὡς οὔτʼ αὐτὸς ἐλεύσεαι οὔτε τινʼ ἄλλον

That made their country vanish from their thought.

ἄξεις σῶν ἑτάρων. ἀλλὰ ξὺν τοίσδεσι θᾶσσον

Which eat, she touch'd them with a rod that wrought

φεύγωμεν· ἔτι γάρ κεν ἀλύξαιμεν κακὸν ἦμαρ.

Their transformation far past human wonts;

ὣς ἔφατʼ, αὐτὰρ ἐγώ μιν ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπον·

Swine's snouts, swine's bodies, took they, bristles, grunts,

Εὐρύλοχʼ, ἦ τοι μὲν σὺ μένʼ αὐτοῦ τῷδʼ ἐνὶ χώρῳ

But still retain'd the souls they had before,

ἔσθων καὶ πίνων κοίλῃ παρὰ νηὶ μελαίνῃ·

Which made them mourn their bodies' change the more.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν εἶμι, κρατερὴ δέ μοι ἔπλετʼ ἀνάγκη.

She shut them straight in styes, and gave them meat,

ὣς εἰπὼν παρὰ νηὸς ἀνήιον ἠδὲ θαλάσσης.

Oak-mast, and beech, and cornel-fruit, they eat,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ ἄρʼ ἔμελλον ἰὼν ἱερὰς ἀνὰ βήσσας

Grov'lling like swine on earth, in foulest sort.

Κίρκης ἵξεσθαι πολυφαρμάκου ἐς μέγα δῶμα,

Eurylochus straight hasted the report

ἔνθα μοι Ἑρμείας χρυσόρραπις ἀντεβόλησεν

Of this his fellows' most remorseful fate,

ἐρχομένῳ πρὸς δῶμα, νεηνίῃ ἀνδρὶ ἐοικώς,

Came to the ships, but so excruciate

πρῶτον ὑπηνήτῃ, τοῦ περ χαριεστάτη ἥβη·

Was with his woe, he could not speak a word,

ἔν τʼ ἄρα μοι φῦ χειρί, ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

His eyes stood full of tears, which show'd how stor'd

πῇ δὴ αὖτʼ, ὦ δύστηνε, διʼ ἄκριας ἔρχεαι οἶος,

His mind with moan remain'd. We all admir'd,

χώρου ἄιδρις ἐών; ἕταροι δέ τοι οἵδʼ ἐνὶ Κίρκης

Ask'd what had chanc'd him, earnestly desir'd

ἔρχαται ὥς τε σύες πυκινοὺς κευθμῶνας ἔχοντες.

He would resolve us. At the last, our eyes

ἦ τοὺς λυσόμενος δεῦρʼ ἔρχεαι; οὐδέ σέ φημι

Enflam'd in him his fellows' memories,

αὐτὸν νοστήσειν, μενέεις δὲ σύ γʼ, ἔνθα περ ἄλλοι.

And out his grief burst thus: 'You will'd; we went

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δή σε κακῶν ἐκλύσομαι ἠδὲ σαώσω.

Through those thick woods you saw; when a descent

Show'd us a fair house, in a lightsome ground,

Where, at some work, we heard a heav'nly sound

Breath'd from a Goddess', or a woman's, breast.

They knock'd, she op'd her bright gates; each her guest

Her fair invitement made; nor would they stay,

Fools that they were, when she once led the way.

I enter'd not, suspecting some deceit.

When all together vanish'd, nor the sight

Of anyone (though long I look'd) mine eye

Could any way discover.' Instantly,

My sword and bow reach'd, I bad show the place,

When down he fell, did both my knees embrace,

And pray'd with tears thus: 'O thou kept of God,

Do not thyself lose, nor to that abode

Lead others rashly; both thyself, and all

Thou ventur'st thither, I know well, must fall

In one sure ruin. With these few then fly;

We yet may shun the others' destiny.'

τῆ, τόδε φάρμακον ἐσθλὸν ἔχων ἐς δώματα Κίρκης

I answer'd him: 'Eurylochus! Stay thou,

ἔρχευ, ὅ κέν τοι κρατὸς ἀλάλκῃσιν κακὸν ἦμαρ.

And keep the ship then, eat and drink; I now

πάντα δέ τοι ἐρέω ὀλοφώια δήνεα Κίρκης.

Will undertake th' adventure; there is cause

τεύξει τοι κυκεῶ, βαλέει δʼ ἐν φάρμακα σίτῳ.

In great Necessity's unalter'd laws.'

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ὣς θέλξαι σε δυνήσεται· οὐ γὰρ ἐάσει

This said, I left both ship and seas, and on

φάρμακον ἐσθλόν, ὅ τοι δώσω, ἐρέω δὲ ἕκαστα.

Along the sacred valleys all alone

ὁππότε κεν Κίρκη σʼ ἐλάσῃ περιμήκεϊ ῥάβδῳ,

Went in discov'ry, till at last I came

δὴ τότε σὺ ξίφος ὀξὺ ἐρυσσάμενος παρὰ μηροῦ

Where of the main-med'cine-making Dame

Κίρκῃ ἐπαῖξαι, ὥς τε κτάμεναι μενεαίνων.

I saw the great house; where encounter'd me

ἡ δέ σʼ ὑποδείσασα κελήσεται εὐνηθῆναι·

The golden-rod-sustaining Mercury,

ἔνθα σὺ μηκέτʼ ἔπειτʼ ἀπανήνασθαι θεοῦ εὐνήν,

Ev'n ent'ring Circe's doors. He met me in

ὄφρα κέ τοι λύσῃ θʼ ἑτάρους αὐτόν τε κομίσσῃ·

A young man's likeness, of the first-flow'r'd chin,

ἀλλὰ κέλεσθαί μιν μακάρων μέγαν ὅρκον ὀμόσσαι,

Whose form hath all the grace of one so young.

μή τί τοι αὐτῷ πῆμα κακὸν βουλευσέμεν ἄλλο,

He first call'd to me, then my hand he wrung,

μή σʼ ἀπογυμνωθέντα κακὸν καὶ ἀνήνορα θήῃ.

And said: 'Thou no-place-finding-for-repose,

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας πόρε φάρμακον ἀργεϊφόντης

Whither, alone, by these hill-confines, goes

ἐκ γαίης ἐρύσας, καί μοι φύσιν αὐτοῦ ἔδειξε.

Thy erring foot? Th' art ent'ring Circe's house,

ῥίζῃ μὲν μέλαν ἔσκε, γάλακτι δὲ εἴκελον ἄνθος·

Where, by her med'cines, black, and sorcerous,

μῶλυ δέ μιν καλέουσι θεοί· χαλεπὸν δέ τʼ ὀρύσσειν

Thy soldiers all are shut in well-arm'd styes,

ἀνδράσι γε θνητοῖσι, θεοὶ δέ τε πάντα δύνανται.

And turn'd to swine. Art thou arriv'd with prize

Ἑρμείας μὲν ἔπειτʼ ἀπέβη πρὸς μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον

Fit for their ransoms? Thou com'st out no more,

νῆσον ἀνʼ ὑλήεσσαν, ἐγὼ δʼ ἐς δώματα Κίρκης

If once thou ent'rest, like thy men before

ἤια, πολλὰ δέ μοι κραδίη πόρφυρε κιόντι.

Made to remain here. But I'll guard thee free,

ἔστην δʼ εἰνὶ θύρῃσι θεᾶς καλλιπλοκάμοιο·

And save thee in her spite. Receive of me

ἔνθα στὰς ἐβόησα, θεὰ δέ μευ ἔκλυεν αὐδῆς.

This fair and good receipt; with which once arm'd,

ἡ δʼ αἶψʼ ἐξελθοῦσα θύρας ὤιξε φαεινὰς

Enter her roofs, for th' art to all proof charm'd

καὶ κάλει· αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἑπόμην ἀκαχήμενος ἦτορ.

Against the ill day. I will tell thee all

εἷσε δέ μʼ εἰσαγαγοῦσα ἐπὶ θρόνου ἀργυροήλου

Her baneful counsel: With a festival

καλοῦ δαιδαλέου· ὑπὸ δὲ θρῆνυς ποσὶν ἦεν·

She'll first receive thee, but will spice thy bread

τεῦχε δέ μοι κυκεῶ χρυσέῳ δέπαι, ὄφρα πίοιμι,

With flow'ry poisons; yet unalteréd

ἐν δέ τε φάρμακον ἧκε, κακὰ φρονέουσʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ.

Shall thy firm form be, for this remedy

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δῶκέν τε καὶ ἔκπιον, οὐδέ μʼ ἔθελξε,

Stands most approv'd 'gainst all her sorcery,

ῥάβδῳ πεπληγυῖα ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

Which thus particularly shun: When she

ἔρχεο νῦν συφεόνδε, μετʼ ἄλλων λέξο ἑταίρων.

Shall with her long rod strike thee, instantly

ὣς φάτʼ, ἐγὼ δʼ ἄορ ὀξὺ ἐρυσσάμενος παρὰ μηροῦ

Draw from thy thigh thy sword, and fly on her

Κίρκῃ ἐπήιξα ὥς τε κτάμεναι μενεαίνων.

As to her slaughter. She, surpris'd with fear

ἡ δὲ μέγα ἰάχουσα ὑπέδραμε καὶ λάβε γούνων,

And love, at first, will bid thee to her bed.

καί μʼ ὀλοφυρομένη ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Nor say the Goddess nay, that welcoméd

τίς πόθεν εἰς ἀνδρῶν; πόθι τοι πόλις ἠδὲ τοκῆες;

Thou may'st with all respect be, and procure

θαῦμά μʼ ἔχει ὡς οὔ τι πιὼν τάδε φάρμακʼ ἐθέλχθης·

Thy fellows' freedoms. But before, make sure

οὐδὲ γὰρ οὐδέ τις ἄλλος ἀνὴρ τάδε φάρμακʼ ἀνέτλη,

Her favours to thee; and the great oath take

ὅς κε πίῃ καὶ πρῶτον ἀμείψεται ἕρκος ὀδόντων.

With which the blesséd Gods assurance make

σοὶ δέ τις ἐν στήθεσσιν ἀκήλητος νόος ἐστίν.

Of all they promise; that no prejudice

ἦ σύ γʼ Ὀδυσσεύς ἐσσι πολύτροπος, ὅν τέ μοι αἰεὶ

(By stripping thee of form, and faculties)

φάσκεν ἐλεύσεσθαι χρυσόρραπις ἀργεϊφόντης,

She may so much as once attempt on thee.'

ἐκ Τροίης ἀνιόντα θοῇ σὺν νηὶ μελαίνῃ.

This said, he gave his antidote to me,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ κολεῷ μὲν ἄορ θέο, νῶι δʼ ἔπειτα

Which from the earth he pluck'd, and told me all

εὐνῆς ἡμετέρης ἐπιβείομεν, ὄφρα μιγέντε

The virtue of it, with what Deities call

εὐνῇ καὶ φιλότητι πεποίθομεν ἀλλήλοισιν.

The name it bears; and Moly they impose

ὣς ἔφατʼ, αὐτὰρ ἐγώ μιν ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπον·

For name to it. The root is hard to loose

ὦ Κίρκη, πῶς γάρ με κέλεαι σοὶ ἤπιον εἶναι,

From hold of earth by mortals; but God's pow'r

ἥ μοι σῦς μὲν ἔθηκας ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἑταίρους,

Can all things do. 'Tis black, but bears a flow'r

αὐτὸν δʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἔχουσα δολοφρονέουσα κελεύεις

As white as milk. And thus flew Mercury

ἐς θάλαμόν τʼ ἰέναι καὶ σῆς ἐπιβήμεναι εὐνῆς,

Up to immense Olympus, gliding by

ὄφρα με γυμνωθέντα κακὸν καὶ ἀνήνορα θήῃς.

The sylvan island. I made back my way

οὐδʼ ἂν ἐγώ γʼ ἐθέλοιμι τεῆς ἐπιβήμεναι εὐνῆς,

To Circe's house, my mind of my assay

εἰ μή μοι τλαίης γε, θεά, μέγαν ὅρκον ὀμόσσαι

Much thought revolving. At her gates I stay'd

μή τί μοι αὐτῷ πῆμα κακὸν βουλευσέμεν ἄλλο.

And call'd; she heard, and her bright doors display'd,

ὣς ἐφάμην, ἡ δʼ αὐτίκʼ ἀπώμνυεν, ὡς ἐκέλευον.

Invited, led; I follow'd in, but trac'd

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ὄμοσέν τε τελεύτησέν τε τὸν ὅρκον,

With some distraction. In a throne she plac'd

καὶ τότʼ ἐγὼ Κίρκης ἐπέβην περικαλλέος εὐνῆς.

My welcome person; of a curious frame

ἀμφίπολοι δʼ ἄρα τέως μὲν ἐνὶ μεγάροισι πένοντο

'Twas, and so bright I sat as in a flame;

τέσσαρες, αἵ οἱ δῶμα κάτα δρήστειραι ἔασι·

A foot-stool added. In a golden bowl

γίγνονται δʼ ἄρα ταί γʼ ἔκ τε κρηνέων ἀπό τʼ ἀλσέων

She then suborn'd a potion, in her soul

ἔκ θʼ ἱερῶν ποταμῶν, οἵ τʼ εἰς ἅλαδε προρέουσι.

Deform'd things thinking; for amidst the wine

τάων ἡ μὲν ἔβαλλε θρόνοις ἔνι ῥήγεα καλὰ

She mix'd her man-transforming medicine;

πορφύρεα καθύπερθʼ, ὑπένερθε δὲ λῖθʼ ὑπέβαλλεν·

Which when she saw I had devour'd, she then

ἡ δʼ ἑτέρη προπάροιθε θρόνων ἐτίταινε τραπέζας

No more observ'd me with her soothing vein,

ἀργυρέας, ἐπὶ δέ σφι τίθει χρύσεια κάνεια·

But struck me with her rod, and to her stye

ἡ δὲ τρίτη κρητῆρι μελίφρονα οἶνον ἐκίρνα

Bad, out, away, and with thy fellows lie.

ἡδὺν ἐν ἀργυρέῳ, νέμε δὲ χρύσεια κύπελλα·

I drew my sword, and charg'd her, as I meant

ἡ δὲ τετάρτη ὕδωρ ἐφόρει καὶ πῦρ ἀνέκαιε

To take her life. When out she cried, and bent

Beneath my sword her knees, embracing mine,

And, full of tears, said: 'Who? Of what high line

Art thou the issue? Whence? What shores sustain

Thy native city? I amaz'd remain

That, drinking these my venoms, th' art not turn'd.

Never drunk any this cup but be mourn'd

In other likeness, if it once had pass'd

The ivory bounders of his tongue and taste.

All but thyself are brutishly declin'd.

Thy breast holds firm yet, and unchang'd thy mind.

Thou canst be therefore none else but the man

Of many virtues, Ithacensian,

Deep-soul'd, Ulysses, who; I oft was told,

By that sly God that bears the rod of gold,

Was to arrive here in retreat from Troy.

Sheathe then thy sword, and let my bed enjoy

So much a man, that when the bed we prove,

πολλὸν ὑπὸ τρίποδι μεγάλῳ· ἰαίνετο δʼ ὕδωρ.

We may believe in one another's love.'

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ ζέσσεν ὕδωρ ἐνὶ ἤνοπι χαλκῷ,

I then: 'O Circe, why entreat'st thou me

ἔς ῥʼ ἀσάμινθον ἕσασα λόʼ ἐκ τρίποδος μεγάλοιο,

To mix in any human league with thee,

θυμῆρες κεράσασα, κατὰ κρατός τε καὶ ὤμων,

When thou my friends hast beasts turn'd; and thy bed

ὄφρα μοι ἐκ κάματον θυμοφθόρον εἵλετο γυίων.

Tender'st to me, that I might likewise lead

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ λοῦσέν τε καὶ ἔχρισεν λίπʼ ἐλαίῳ,

A beast's life with thee, soften'd, naked stripp'd,

ἀμφὶ δέ με χλαῖναν καλὴν βάλεν ἠδὲ χιτῶνα,

That in my blood thy banes may more be steep'd?

εἷσε δέ μʼ εἰσαγαγοῦσα ἐπὶ θρόνου ἀργυροήλου

I never will ascend thy bed, before,

καλοῦ δαιδαλέου, ὑπὸ δὲ θρῆνυς ποσὶν ἦεν·

I may affirm, that in heav'n's sight you swore

χέρνιβα δʼ ἀμφίπολος προχόῳ ἐπέχευε φέρουσα

The great oath of the Gods, that all attempt

καλῇ χρυσείῃ, ὑπὲρ ἀργυρέοιο λέβητος,

To do me ill is from your thoughts exempt.'

νίψασθαι· παρὰ δὲ ξεστὴν ἐτάνυσσε τράπεζαν.

I said, she swore, when, all the oath-rites said,

σῖτον δʼ αἰδοίη ταμίη παρέθηκε φέρουσα,

I then ascended her adornéd bed,

εἴδατα πόλλʼ ἐπιθεῖσα, χαριζομένη παρεόντων.

But thus prepar'd: Four handmaids served her there,

ἐσθέμεναι δʼ ἐκέλευεν· ἐμῷ δʼ οὐχ ἥνδανε θυμῷ,

That daughters to her silver fountains were,

ἀλλʼ ἥμην ἀλλοφρονέων, κακὰ δʼ ὄσσετο θυμός.

To her bright-sea-observing sacred floods,

Κίρκη δʼ ὡς ἐνόησεν ἔμʼ ἥμενον οὐδʼ ἐπὶ σίτῳ

And to her uncut consecrated woods.

χεῖρας ἰάλλοντα, κρατερὸν δέ με πένθος ἔχοντα,

One deck'd the throne-tops with rich cloths of state,

ἄγχι παρισταμένη ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

And did with silks the foot-pace consecrate.

τίφθʼ οὕτως, Ὀδυσεῦ, κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζεαι ἶσος ἀναύδῳ,

Another silver tables set before

θυμὸν ἔδων, βρώμης δʼ οὐχ ἅπτεαι οὐδὲ ποτῆτος;

The pompous throne, and golden dishes' store

ἦ τινά που δόλον ἄλλον ὀίεαι· οὐδέ τί σε χρὴ

Serv'd in with sev'ral feast. A third fill'd wine.

δειδίμεν· ἤδη γάρ τοι ἀπώμοσα καρτερὸν ὅρκον.

The fourth brought water, and made fuel shine

ὣς ἔφατʼ, αὐτὰρ ἐγώ μιν ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπον·

In ruddy fires beneath a womb of brass.

ὦ Κίρκη, τίς γάρ κεν ἀνήρ, ὃς ἐναίσιμος εἴη,

Which heat, I bath'd; and od'rous water was

πρὶν τλαίη πάσσασθαι ἐδητύος ἠδὲ ποτῆτος,

Disperpled lightly on my head and neck,

πρὶν λύσασθʼ ἑτάρους καὶ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἰδέσθαι;

That might my late heart-hurting sorrows check

ἀλλʼ εἰ δὴ πρόφρασσα πιεῖν φαγέμεν τε κελεύεις,

With the refreshing sweetness; and, for that,

λῦσον, ἵνʼ ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἴδω ἐρίηρας ἑταίρους.

Men sometimes may be something delicate.

ὣς ἐφάμην, Κίρκη δὲ διὲκ μεγάροιο βεβήκει

Bath'd, and adorn'd, she led me to a throne

ῥάβδον ἔχουσʼ ἐν χειρί, θύρας δʼ ἀνέῳξε συφειοῦ,

Of massy silver, and of fashión

ἐκ δʼ ἔλασεν σιάλοισιν ἐοικότας ἐννεώροισιν.

Exceeding curious. A fair foot-stool set,

οἱ μὲν ἔπειτʼ ἔστησαν ἐναντίοι, ἡ δὲ διʼ αὐτῶν

Water appos'd, and ev'ry sort of meat

ἐρχομένη προσάλειφεν ἑκάστῳ φάρμακον ἄλλο.

Set on th' elaborately-polish'd board,

τῶν δʼ ἐκ μὲν μελέων τρίχες ἔρρεον, ἃς πρὶν ἔφυσε

She wish'd my taste employ'd; but not a word

φάρμακον οὐλόμενον, τό σφιν πόρε πότνια Κίρκη·

Would my ears taste of taste; my mind had food

ἄνδρες δʼ ἂψ ἐγένοντο νεώτεροι ἢ πάρος ἦσαν,

That must digest; eye-meat would do me good.

καὶ πολὺ καλλίονες καὶ μείζονες εἰσοράασθαι.

Circe (observing that I put no hand

ἔγνωσαν δέ μʼ ἐκεῖνοι ἔφυν τʼ ἐν χερσὶν ἕκαστος.

To any banquet, having countermand

πᾶσιν δʼ ἱμερόεις ὑπέδυ γόος, ἀμφὶ δὲ δῶμα

From weightier cares the light cates could excuse)

σμερδαλέον κονάβιζε· θεὰ δʼ ἐλέαιρε καὶ αὐτή.

Bowing her near me, these wing'd words did use;

ἡ δέ μευ ἄγχι στᾶσα προσηύδα δῖα θεάων·

'Why sits Ulysses like one dumb, his mind

διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη, πολυμήχανʼ Ὀδυσσεῦ,

Less'ning with languors? Nor to food inclin'd,

ἔρχεο νῦν ἐπὶ νῆα θοὴν καὶ θῖνα θαλάσσης.

Nor wine? Whence comes it? Out of any fear

νῆα μὲν ἂρ πάμπρωτον ἐρύσσατε ἤπειρόνδε,

Of more illusion? You must needs forbear

κτήματα δʼ ἐν σπήεσσι πελάσσατε ὅπλα τε πάντα·

That wrongful doubt, since you have heard me swear.'

αὐτὸς δʼ ἂψ ἰέναι καὶ ἄγειν ἐρίηρας ἑταίρους.

'O Circe!' I replied, 'what man is he,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, αὐτὰρ ἐμοί γʼ ἐπεπείθετο θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ,

Aw'd with the rights of true humanity,

βῆν δʼ ἰέναι ἐπὶ νῆα θοὴν καὶ θῖνα θαλάσσης.

That dares taste food or wine, before he sees

εὗρον ἔπειτʼ ἐπὶ νηὶ θοῇ ἐρίηρας ἑταίρους

His friends redeem'd from their deformities?

οἴκτρʼ ὀλοφυρομένους, θαλερὸν κατὰ δάκρυ χέοντας.

If you be gentle, and indeed incline

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἂν ἄγραυλοι πόριες περὶ βοῦς ἀγελαίας,

To let me taste the comfort of your wine,

ἐλθούσας ἐς κόπρον, ἐπὴν βοτάνης κορέσωνται,

Dissolve the charms that their forc'd forms enchain,

πᾶσαι ἅμα σκαίρουσιν ἐναντίαι· οὐδʼ ἔτι σηκοὶ

And show me here my honour'd friends like men.'

ἴσχουσʼ, ἀλλʼ ἁδινὸν μυκώμεναι ἀμφιθέουσι·

This said, she left her throne, and took her rod,

μητέρας· ὣς ἔμʼ ἐκεῖνοι ἐπεὶ ἴδον ὀφθαλμοῖσι,

Went to her stye, and let my men abroad,

δακρυόεντες ἔχυντο· δόκησε δʼ ἄρα σφίσι θυμὸς

Like swine of nine years old. They opposite stood,

ὣς ἔμεν, ὡς εἰ πατρίδʼ ἱκοίατο καὶ πόλιν αὐτὴν

Observ'd their brutish form, and look'd for food;

τρηχείης Ἰθάκης, ἵνα τʼ ἔτραφεν ἠδʼ ἐγένοντο.

When, with another med'cine, ev'ry one

καί μʼ ὀλοφυρόμενοι ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδων·

All over smear'd, their bristles all were gone,

σοὶ μὲν νοστήσαντι, διοτρεφές, ὣς ἐχάρημεν,

Produc'd by malice of the other bane,

ὡς εἴ τʼ εἰς Ἰθάκην ἀφικοίμεθα πατρίδα γαῖαν·

And ev'ry one, afresh, look'd up a man,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε, τῶν ἄλλων ἑτάρων κατάλεξον ὄλεθρον.

Both younger than they were, of stature more,

ὣς ἔφαν, αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ προσέφην μαλακοῖς ἐπέεσσι·

And all their forms much goodlier than before.

νῆα μὲν ἂρ πάμπρωτον ἐρύσσομεν ἤπειρόνδε,

All knew me, cling'd about me, and a cry

κτήματα δʼ ἐν σπήεσσι πελάσσομεν ὅπλα τε πάντα·

Of pleasing mourning flew about so high

αὐτοὶ δʼ ὀτρύνεσθε ἐμοὶ ἅμα πάντες ἕπεσθαι,

The horrid roof resounded; and the queen

ὄφρα ἴδηθʼ ἑτάρους ἱεροῖς ἐν δώμασι Κίρκης

Herself was mov'd to see our kind so keen,

πίνοντας καὶ ἔδοντας· ἐπηετανὸν γὰρ ἔχουσιν.

Who bad me now bring ship and men ashore,

ὣς ἐφάμην, οἱ δʼ ὦκα ἐμοῖς ἐπέεσσι πίθοντο.

Our arms, and goods in caves hid, and restore

Εὐρύλοχος δέ μοι οἶος ἐρύκανε πάντας ἑταίρους·

Myself to her, with all my other men.

I granted, went, and op'd the weeping vein

In all my men; whose violent joy to see

My safe return was passing kindly free

Of friendly tears, and miserably wept.

You have not seen young heifers (highly kept,

Fill'd full of daisies at the field, and driv'n

Home to their hovels, all so spritely giv'n

That no room can contain them, but about

Bace by the dams, and let their spirits out

In ceaseless bleating) of more jocund plight

Than my kind friends, ev'n crying out with sight

Of my return so doubted; circled me

With all their welcomes, and as cheerfully

Dispos'd their rapt minds, as if there they saw

Their natural country, cliffy Ithaca,

And ev'n the roofs where they were bred and born,

And vow'd as much, with tears; 'O your return

As much delights us as in you had come

καί σφεας φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Our country to us, and our natural home.

ἆ δειλοί, πόσʼ ἴμεν; τί κακῶν ἱμείρετε τούτων;

But what unhappy fate hath reft our friends?'

Κίρκης ἐς μέγαρον καταβήμεναι, ἥ κεν ἅπαντας

I gave unlook'd-for answer, that amends

ἢ σῦς ἠὲ λύκους ποιήσεται ἠὲ λέοντας,

Made for their mourning, bad them first of all

οἵ κέν οἱ μέγα δῶμα φυλάσσοιμεν καὶ ἀνάγκῃ,

Our ship ashore draw, then in caverns stall

ὥς περ Κύκλωψ ἔρξʼ, ὅτε οἱ μέσσαυλον ἵκοντο

Our foody cattle, hide our mutual prize,

ἡμέτεροι ἕταροι, σὺν δʼ ὁ θρασὺς εἵπετʼ Ὀδυσσεύς·

'And then,' said I, 'attend me, that your eyes,

τούτου γὰρ καὶ κεῖνοι ἀτασθαλίῃσιν ὄλοντο.

In Circe's sacred house, may see each friend

ὣς ἔφατʼ, αὐτὰρ ἐγώ γε μετὰ φρεσὶ μερμήριξα,

Eating and drinking banquets out of end.'

σπασσάμενος τανύηκες ἄορ παχέος παρὰ μηροῦ,

They soon obey'd; all but Eurylochus,

τῷ οἱ ἀποπλήξας κεφαλὴν οὖδάσδε πελάσσαι,

Who needs would stay them all, and counsell'd thus:

καὶ πηῷ περ ἐόντι μάλα σχεδόν· ἀλλά μʼ ἑταῖροι

'O wretches! whither will ye? Why are you

μειλιχίοις ἐπέεσσιν ἐρήτυον ἄλλοθεν ἄλλος·

Fond of your mischiefs, and such gladness show

διογενές, τοῦτον μὲν ἐάσομεν, εἰ σὺ κελεύεις,

For Circe's house, that will transform ye all

αὐτοῦ πὰρ νηί τε μένειν καὶ νῆα ἔρυσθαι·

To swine, or wolves, or lions? Never shall