Odyssey

Ulysses thus resolv'd the king's demands:

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

"Alcinous, in whom this empire stands,

Ἀλκίνοε κρεῖον, πάντων ἀριδείκετε λαῶν,

You should not of so natural right disherit

ἦ τοι μὲν τόδε καλὸν ἀκουέμεν ἐστὶν ἀοιδοῦ

Your princely feast, as take from it the spirit.

τοιοῦδʼ οἷος ὅδʼ ἐστί, θεοῖς ἐναλίγκιος αὐδήν.

To hear a poet, that in accent brings

οὐ γὰρ ἐγώ γέ τί φημι τέλος χαριέστερον εἶναι

The Gods' breasts down, and breathes them as he sings,

ἢ ὅτʼ ἐυφροσύνη μὲν ἔχῃ κάτα δῆμον ἅπαντα,

Is sweet, and sacred; nor can I conceive,

δαιτυμόνες δʼ ἀνὰ δώματʼ ἀκουάζωνται ἀοιδοῦ

In any common-weal, what more doth give

ἥμενοι ἑξείης, παρὰ δὲ πλήθωσι τράπεζαι

Note of the just and blessed empery,

σίτου καὶ κρειῶν, μέθυ δʼ ἐκ κρητῆρος ἀφύσσων

Than to see comfort universally

οἰνοχόος φορέῃσι καὶ ἐγχείῃ δεπάεσσι·

Cheer up the people, when in ev'ry roof

τοῦτό τί μοι κάλλιστον ἐνὶ φρεσὶν εἴδεται εἶναι.

She gives observers a most human proof

σοὶ δʼ ἐμὰ κήδεα θυμὸς ἐπετράπετο στονόεντα

Of men's contents. To see a neighbour's feast

εἴρεσθʼ, ὄφρʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον ὀδυρόμενος στεναχίζω·

Adorn it through; and thereat hear the breast

τί πρῶτόν τοι ἔπειτα, τί δʼ ὑστάτιον καταλέξω;

Of the divine Muse; men in order set;

κήδεʼ ἐπεί μοι πολλὰ δόσαν θεοὶ Οὐρανίωνες.

A wine-page waiting; tables crown'd with meat,

νῦν δʼ ὄνομα πρῶτον μυθήσομαι, ὄφρα καὶ ὑμεῖς

Set close to guests that are to use it skill'd;

εἴδετʼ, ἐγὼ δʼ ἂν ἔπειτα φυγὼν ὕπο νηλεὲς ἦμαρ

The cup-boards furnish'd, and the cups still fill'd;

ὑμῖν ξεῖνος ἔω καὶ ἀπόπροθι δώματα ναίων.

This shows, to my mind, most humanely fair.

εἴμʼ Ὀδυσεὺς Λαερτιάδης, ὃς πᾶσι δόλοισιν

Nor should you, for me, still the heav'nly air,

ἀνθρώποισι μέλω, καί μευ κλέος οὐρανὸν ἵκει.

That stirr'd my soul so; for I love such tears

ναιετάω δʼ Ἰθάκην ἐυδείελον· ἐν δʼ ὄρος αὐτῇ

As fall from fit notes, beaten through mine ears

Νήριτον εἰνοσίφυλλον, ἀριπρεπές· ἀμφὶ δὲ νῆσοι

With repetitions of what heav'n hath done,

πολλαὶ ναιετάουσι μάλα σχεδὸν ἀλλήλῃσι,

And break from hearty apprehensión

Δουλίχιόν τε Σάμη τε καὶ ὑλήεσσα Ζάκυνθος.

Of God and goodness, though they show my ill.

αὐτὴ δὲ χθαμαλὴ πανυπερτάτη εἰν ἁλὶ κεῖται

And therefore doth my mind excite me still,

πρὸς ζόφον, αἱ δέ τʼ ἄνευθε πρὸς ἠῶ τʼ ἠέλιόν τε,

To tell my bleeding moan; but much more now,

τρηχεῖʼ, ἀλλʼ ἀγαθὴ κουροτρόφος· οὔ τοι ἐγώ γε

To serve your pleasure, that to over-flow

ἧς γαίης δύναμαι γλυκερώτερον ἄλλο ἰδέσθαι.

My tears with such cause may by sighs be driv'n,

ἦ μέν μʼ αὐτόθʼ ἔρυκε Καλυψώ, δῖα θεάων,

Though ne'er so much plagued I may seem by heav'n.

ἐν σπέσσι γλαφυροῖσι, λιλαιομένη πόσιν εἶναι·

And now my name; which way shall lead to all

ὣς δʼ αὔτως Κίρκη κατερήτυεν ἐν μεγάροισιν

My mis'ries after, that their sounds may fall

Αἰαίη δολόεσσα, λιλαιομένη πόσιν εἶναι·

Through your ears also, and show (having fled

ἀλλʼ ἐμὸν οὔ ποτε θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἔπειθον.

So much affliction) first, who rests his head

ὣς οὐδὲν γλύκιον ἧς πατρίδος οὐδὲ τοκήων

In your embraces, when, so far from home,

γίγνεται, εἴ περ καί τις ἀπόπροθι πίονα οἶκον

I knew not where t' obtain it resting room.

γαίῃ ἐν ἀλλοδαπῇ ναίει ἀπάνευθε τοκήων.

I am Ulysses Laertiades,

εἰ δʼ ἄγε τοι καὶ νόστον ἐμὸν πολυκηδέʼ ἐνίσπω,

The fear of all the world for policies,

ὅν μοι Ζεὺς ἐφέηκεν ἀπὸ Τροίηθεν ἰόντι.

For which my facts as high as heav'n resound.

Ἰλιόθεν με φέρων ἄνεμος Κικόνεσσι πέλασσεν,

I dwell in Ithaca, earth's most renown'd,

Ἰσμάρῳ. ἔνθα δʼ ἐγὼ πόλιν ἔπραθον, ὤλεσα δʼ αὐτούς·

All over-shadow'd with the shake-leaf hill,

ἐκ πόλιος δʼ ἀλόχους καὶ κτήματα πολλὰ λαβόντες

Tree-fam'd Neritus; whose near confines fill

δασσάμεθʼ, ὡς μή τίς μοι ἀτεμβόμενος κίοι ἴσης.

Islands a number, well-inhabited,

ἔνθʼ ἦ τοι μὲν ἐγὼ διερῷ ποδὶ φευγέμεν ἡμέας

That under my observance taste their bread;

ἠνώγεα, τοὶ δὲ μέγα νήπιοι οὐκ ἐπίθοντο.

Dulichius, Samos, and the full-of-food

ἔνθα δὲ πολλὸν μὲν μέθυ πίνετο, πολλὰ δὲ μῆλα

Zacynthus, likewise grac'd with store of wood.

ἔσφαζον παρὰ θῖνα καὶ εἰλίποδας ἕλικας βοῦς·

But Ithaca, though in the seas it lie,

τόφρα δʼ ἄρʼ οἰχόμενοι Κίκονες Κικόνεσσι γεγώνευν,

Yet lies she so aloft she casts her eye

οἵ σφιν γείτονες ἦσαν, ἅμα πλέονες καὶ ἀρείους,

Quite over all the neighbour continent;

ἤπειρον ναίοντες, ἐπιστάμενοι μὲν ἀφʼ ἵππων

Far northward situate, and, being lent

ἀνδράσι μάρνασθαι καὶ ὅθι χρὴ πεζὸν ἐόντα.

But little favour of the morn and sun,

ἦλθον ἔπειθʼ ὅσα φύλλα καὶ ἄνθεα γίγνεται ὥρῃ,

With barren rocks and cliffs is over-run;

ἠέριοι· τότε δή ῥα κακὴ Διὸς αἶσα παρέστη

And yet of hardy youths a nurse of name;

ἡμῖν αἰνομόροισιν, ἵνʼ ἄλγεα πολλὰ πάθοιμεν.

Nor could I see a soil, where'er I came,

στησάμενοι δʼ ἐμάχοντο μάχην παρὰ νηυσὶ θοῇσι,

More sweet and wishful. Yet, from hence was I

βάλλον δʼ ἀλλήλους χαλκήρεσιν ἐγχείῃσιν.

Withheld with horror by the Deity,

ὄφρα μὲν ἠὼς ἦν καὶ ἀέξετο ἱερὸν ἦμαρ,

Divine Calypso, in her cavy house,

τόφρα δʼ ἀλεξόμενοι μένομεν πλέονάς περ ἐόντας.

Enflam'd to make me her sole lord and spouse.

ἦμος δʼ ἠέλιος μετενίσσετο βουλυτόνδε,

Circe Ææa too, that knowing dame,

καὶ τότε δὴ Κίκονες κλῖναν δαμάσαντες Ἀχαιούς.

Whose veins the like affections did enflame,

ἓξ δʼ ἀφʼ ἑκάστης νηὸς ἐυκνήμιδες ἑταῖροι

Detain'd me likewise. But to neither's love

ὤλονθʼ· οἱ δʼ ἄλλοι φύγομεν θάνατόν τε μόρον τε.

Could I be tempted; which doth well approve,

ἔνθεν δὲ προτέρω πλέομεν ἀκαχήμενοι ἦτορ,

Nothing so sweet is as our country's earth,

ἄσμενοι ἐκ θανάτοιο, φίλους ὀλέσαντες ἑταίρους.

And joy of those from whom we claim our birth.

οὐδʼ ἄρα μοι προτέρω νῆες κίον ἀμφιέλισσαι,

Though roofs far richer we far off possess,

πρίν τινα τῶν δειλῶν ἑτάρων τρὶς ἕκαστον ἀῦσαι,

Yet, from our native, all our more is less.

οἳ θάνον ἐν πεδίῳ Κικόνων ὕπο δῃωθέντες.

To which as I contended, I will tell

νηυσὶ δʼ ἐπῶρσʼ ἄνεμον Βορέην νεφεληγερέτα Ζεὺς

The much-distress-conferring facts that fell

λαίλαπι θεσπεσίῃ, σὺν δὲ νεφέεσσι κάλυψε

By Jove's divine prevention, since I set

γαῖαν ὁμοῦ καὶ πόντον· ὀρώρει δʼ οὐρανόθεν νύξ.

From ruin'd Troy my first foot in retreat.

αἱ μὲν ἔπειτʼ ἐφέροντʼ ἐπικάρσιαι, ἱστία δέ σφιν

From Ilion ill winds cast me on the coast

The Cicons hold, where I employ'd mine host

For Ismarus, a city built just by

My place of landing; of which victory

Made me expugner. I depeopled it,

Slew all the men, and did their wives remit,

With much spoil taken; which we did divide,

That none might need his part. I then applied

All speed for flight; but my command therein,

Fools that they were, could no observance win

Of many soldiers, who, with spoil fed high,

Would yet fill higher, and excessively

Fell to their wine, gave slaughter on the shore

Clov'n-footed beeves and sheep in mighty store.

In mean space, Cicons did to Cicons cry,

When, of their nearest dwellers, instantly

Many and better soldiers made strong head,

That held the continent, and managéd

Their horse with high skill, on which they would fight,

When fittest cause serv'd, and again alight,

With soon seen vantage, and on foot contend.

Their concourse swift was, and had never end;

As thick and sudden 'twas, as flow'rs and leaves

Dark spring discovers, when she light receives.

And then began the bitter Fate of Jove

To alter us unhappy, which ev'n strove

τριχθά τε καὶ τετραχθὰ διέσχισεν ἲς ἀνέμοιο.

To give us suff'rance. At our fleet we made

καὶ τὰ μὲν ἐς νῆας κάθεμεν, δείσαντες ὄλεθρον,

Enforcéd stand; and there did they invade

αὐτὰς δʼ ἐσσυμένως προερέσσαμεν ἤπειρόνδε.

Our thrust-up forces; darts encounter'd darts,

ἔνθα δύω νύκτας δύο τʼ ἤματα συνεχὲς αἰεὶ

With blows on both sides; either making parts

κείμεθʼ, ὁμοῦ καμάτῳ τε καὶ ἄλγεσι θυμὸν ἔδοντες.

Good upon either, while the morning shone,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ τρίτον ἦμαρ ἐυπλόκαμος τέλεσʼ Ἠώς,

And sacred day her bright increase held on,

ἱστοὺς στησάμενοι ἀνά θʼ ἱστία λεύκʼ ἐρύσαντες

Though much out-match'd in number; but as soon

ἥμεθα, τὰς δʼ ἄνεμός τε κυβερνῆταί τʼ ἴθυνον.

As Phœbus westward fell, the Cicons won

καί νύ κεν ἀσκηθὴς ἱκόμην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν·

Much hand of us; six proved soldiers fell,

ἀλλά με κῦμα ῥόος τε περιγνάμπτοντα Μάλειαν

Of ev'ry ship, the rest they did compel!

καὶ Βορέης ἀπέωσε, παρέπλαγξεν δὲ Κυθήρων.

To seek of Flight escape from Death and Fate.

ἔνθεν δʼ ἐννῆμαρ φερόμην ὀλοοῖς ἀνέμοισιν

Thence sad in heart we sail'd; and yet our state

πόντον ἐπʼ ἰχθυόεντα· ἀτὰρ δεκάτῃ ἐπέβημεν

Was something cheer'd, that (being o'er-match'd so much

γαίης Λωτοφάγων, οἵ τʼ ἄνθινον εἶδαρ ἔδουσιν.

In violent number) our retreat was such

ἔνθα δʼ ἐπʼ ἠπείρου βῆμεν καὶ ἀφυσσάμεθʼ ὕδωρ,

As sav'd so many. Our dear loss the less,

αἶψα δὲ δεῖπνον ἕλοντο θοῇς παρὰ νηυσὶν ἑταῖροι.

That they surviv'd, so like for like success.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ σίτοιό τʼ ἐπασσάμεθʼ ἠδὲ ποτῆτος,

Yet left we not the coast, before we call'd

δὴ τοτʼ ἐγὼν ἑτάρους προΐειν πεύθεσθαι ἰόντας,

Home to our country-earth the souls exhal'd

οἵ τινες ἀνέρες εἶεν ἐπὶ χθονὶ σῖτον ἔδοντες

Of all the friends the Cicons overcame.

ἄνδρε δύω κρίνας, τρίτατον κήρυχʼ ἅμʼ ὀπάσσας.

Thrice call'd we on them by their sev'ral name,

οἱ δʼ αἶψʼ οἰχόμενοι μίγεν ἀνδράσι Λωτοφάγοισιν·

And then took leave. Then from the angry North

οὐδʼ ἄρα Λωτοφάγοι μήδονθʼ ἑτάροισιν ὄλεθρον

Cloud-gath'ring Jove a dreadful storm call'd forth

ἡμετέροις, ἀλλά σφι δόσαν λωτοῖο πάσασθαι.

Against our navy, cover'd shore and all

τῶν δʼ ὅς τις λωτοῖο φάγοι μελιηδέα καρπόν,

With gloomy vapours. Night did headlong fall

οὐκέτʼ ἀπαγγεῖλαι πάλιν ἤθελεν οὐδὲ νέεσθαι,

From frowning heav'n. And then hurl'd here and there

ἀλλʼ αὐτοῦ βούλοντο μετʼ ἀνδράσι Λωτοφάγοισι

Was all our navy; the rude winds did tear

λωτὸν ἐρεπτόμενοι μενέμεν νόστου τε λαθέσθαι.

In three, in four parts, all their sails; and down

τοὺς μὲν ἐγὼν ἐπὶ νῆας ἄγον κλαίοντας ἀνάγκῃ,

Driv'n under hatches were we, prest to drown.

νηυσὶ δʼ ἐνὶ γλαφυρῇσιν ὑπὸ ζυγὰ δῆσα ἐρύσσας.

Up rush'd we yet again, and with tough hand

αὐτὰρ τοὺς ἄλλους κελόμην ἐρίηρας ἑταίρους

(Two days, two nights, entoil'd) we gat near land,

σπερχομένους νηῶν ἐπιβαινέμεν ὠκειάων,

Labours and sorrows eating up our minds.

μή πώς τις λωτοῖο φαγὼν νόστοιο λάθηται.

The third clear day yet, to more friendly winds

οἱ δʼ αἶψʼ εἴσβαινον καὶ ἐπὶ κληῖσι καθῖζον,

We masts advanc'd, we white sails spread, and sate.

ἑξῆς δʼ ἑζόμενοι πολιὴν ἅλα τύπτον ἐρετμοῖς.

Forewinds and guides again did iterate

ἔνθεν δὲ προτέρω πλέομεν ἀκαχήμενοι ἦτορ·

Our ease and home-hopes; which we clear had reach'd,

Κυκλώπων δʼ ἐς γαῖαν ὑπερφιάλων ἀθεμίστων

Had not, by chance, a sudden north-wind fetch'd,

ἱκόμεθʼ, οἵ ῥα θεοῖσι πεποιθότες ἀθανάτοισιν

With an extreme sea, quite about again

οὔτε φυτεύουσιν χερσὶν φυτὸν οὔτʼ ἀρόωσιν,

Our whole endeavours, and our course constrain

ἀλλὰ τά γʼ ἄσπαρτα καὶ ἀνήροτα πάντα φύονται,

To giddy round, and with our bow'd sails greet

πυροὶ καὶ κριθαὶ ἠδʼ ἄμπελοι, αἵ τε φέρουσιν

Dreadful Maleia, calling back our fleet

οἶνον ἐριστάφυλον, καί σφιν Διὸς ὄμβρος ἀέξει.

As far forth as Cythera. Nine days more

τοῖσιν δʼ οὔτʼ ἀγοραὶ βουληφόροι οὔτε θέμιστες,

Adverse winds toss'd me; and the tenth, the shore,

ἀλλʼ οἵ γʼ ὑψηλῶν ὀρέων ναίουσι κάρηνα

Where dwelt the blossom-fed Lotophagi,

ἐν σπέσσι γλαφυροῖσι, θεμιστεύει δὲ ἕκαστος

I fetch'd, fresh water took in, instantly

παίδων ἠδʼ ἀλόχων, οὐδʼ ἀλλήλων ἀλέγουσιν.

Fell to our food aship-board, and then sent

νῆσος ἔπειτα λάχεια παρὲκ λιμένος τετάνυσται,

Two of my choice men to the continent

γαίης Κυκλώπων οὔτε σχεδὸν οὔτʼ ἀποτηλοῦ,

(Adding a third, a herald) to discover

ὑλήεσσʼ· ἐν δʼ αἶγες ἀπειρέσιαι γεγάασιν

What sort of people were the rulers over

ἄγριαι· οὐ μὲν γὰρ πάτος ἀνθρώπων ἀπερύκει,

The land next to us. Where, the first they met,

οὐδέ μιν εἰσοιχνεῦσι κυνηγέται, οἵ τε καθʼ ὕλην

Were the Lotophagi, that made them eat

ἄλγεα πάσχουσιν κορυφὰς ὀρέων ἐφέποντες.

Their country-diet, and no ill intent

οὔτʼ ἄρα ποίμνῃσιν καταΐσχεται οὔτʼ ἀρότοισιν,

Hid in their hearts to them; and yet th' event

ἀλλʼ ἥ γʼ ἄσπαρτος καὶ ἀνήροτος ἤματα πάντα

To ill converted it, for having eat

ἀνδρῶν χηρεύει, βόσκει δέ τε μηκάδας αἶγας.

Their dainty viands, they did quite forget

οὐ γὰρ Κυκλώπεσσι νέες πάρα μιλτοπάρῃοι,

(As all men else that did but taste their feast)

οὐδʼ ἄνδρες νηῶν ἔνι τέκτονες, οἵ κε κάμοιεν

Both countrymen and country, nor addrest

νῆας ἐυσσέλμους, αἵ κεν τελέοιεν ἕκαστα

Any return t' inform what sort of men

ἄστεʼ ἐπʼ ἀνθρώπων ἱκνεύμεναι, οἷά τε πολλὰ

Made fix'd abode there, but would needs maintain

ἄνδρες ἐπʼ ἀλλήλους νηυσὶν περόωσι θάλασσαν·

Abode themselves there, and eat that food ever.

οἵ κέ σφιν καὶ νῆσον ἐυκτιμένην ἐκάμοντο.

I made out after, and was feign to sever

οὐ μὲν γάρ τι κακή γε, φέροι δέ κεν ὥρια πάντα·

Th' enchanted knot by forcing their retreat;

ἐν μὲν γὰρ λειμῶνες ἁλὸς πολιοῖο παρʼ ὄχθας

That striv'd, and wept, and would not leave their meat

ὑδρηλοὶ μαλακοί· μάλα κʼ ἄφθιτοι ἄμπελοι εἶεν.

For heav'n itself. But, dragging them to fleet,

ἐν δʼ ἄροσις λείη· μάλα κεν βαθὺ λήιον αἰεὶ

I wrapt in sure bands both their hands and feet,

εἰς ὥρας ἀμῷεν, ἐπεὶ μάλα πῖαρ ὑπʼ οὖδας.

And cast them under hatches, and away

ἐν δὲ λιμὴν ἐύορμος, ἵνʼ οὐ χρεὼ πείσματός ἐστιν,

Commanded all the rest without least stay,

οὔτʼ εὐνὰς βαλέειν οὔτε πρυμνήσιʼ ἀνάψαι,

Lest they should taste the lote too, and forget

ἀλλʼ ἐπικέλσαντας μεῖναι χρόνον εἰς ὅ κε ναυτέων

With such strange raptures their despis'd retreat.

θυμὸς ἐποτρύνῃ καὶ ἐπιπνεύσωσιν ἀῆται.

All then aboard, we beat the sea with oars,

αὐτὰρ ἐπὶ κρατὸς λιμένος ῥέει ἀγλαὸν ὕδωρ,

And still with sad hearts sail'd by out-way shores,

κρήνη ὑπὸ σπείους· περὶ δʼ αἴγειροι πεφύασιν.

Till th' out-law'd Cyclops' land we fetch'd; a race

Of proud-liv'd loiterers, that never sow,

Nor put a plant in earth, nor use a plow,

But trust in God for all things; and their earth,

Unsown, unplow'd, gives ev'ry offspring birth

That other lands have; wheat, and barley, vines

That bear in goodly grapes delicious wines;

And Jove sends show'rs for all. No councils there,

Nor councillors, nor laws; but all men bear

Their heads aloft on mountains, and those steep,

And on their tops too; and their houses keep

In vaulty caves, their households govern'd all

By each man's law, impos'd in several,

Nor wife, nor child awed, but as he thinks good,

None for another caring. But there stood

Another little isle, well stor'd with wood,

Betwixt this and the entry; neither nigh

The Cyclops' isle, nor yet far off doth lie,

Men's want it suffer'd, but the men's supplies

The goats made with their inarticulate cries.

Goats beyond number this small island breeds,

So tame, that no access disturbs their feeds,

No hunters, that the tops of mountains scale,

And rub through woods with toil, seek them at all.

Nor is the soil with flocks fed down, not plow'd,

ἔνθα κατεπλέομεν, καί τις θεὸς ἡγεμόνευεν

Nor ever in it any seed was sow'd.

νύκτα διʼ ὀρφναίην, οὐδὲ προυφαίνετʼ ἰδέσθαι·

Nor place the neighbour Cyclops their delights

ἀὴρ γὰρ περὶ νηυσὶ βαθεῖʼ ἦν, οὐδὲ σελήνη

In brave vermilion-prow-deck'd ships; nor wrights

οὐρανόθεν προύφαινε, κατείχετο δὲ νεφέεσσιν.

Useful, and skilful in such works as need

ἔνθʼ οὔ τις τὴν νῆσον ἐσέδρακεν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν,

Perfection to those traffics that exceed

οὔτʼ οὖν κύματα μακρὰ κυλινδόμενα προτὶ χέρσον

Their natural confines, to fly out and see

εἰσίδομεν, πρὶν νῆας ἐυσσέλμους ἐπικέλσαι.

Cities of men, and take in mutually

κελσάσῃσι δὲ νηυσὶ καθείλομεν ἱστία πάντα,

The prease of others; to themselves they live,

ἐκ δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ βῆμεν ἐπὶ ῥηγμῖνι θαλάσσης·

And to their island that enough would give

ἔνθα δʼ ἀποβρίξαντες ἐμείναμεν Ἠῶ δῖαν.

A good inhabitant; and time of year

ἦμος δʼ ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

Observe to all things art could order there.

νῆσον θαυμάζοντες ἐδινεόμεσθα κατʼ αὐτήν.

There, close upon the sea, sweet meadows spring;

ὦρσαν δὲ νύμφαι, κοῦραι Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο,

That yet of fresh streams want no watering

αἶγας ὀρεσκῴους, ἵνα δειπνήσειαν ἑταῖροι.

To their soft burthens, but of special yield.

αὐτίκα καμπύλα τόξα καὶ αἰγανέας δολιχαύλους

Your vines would be there; and your common field

εἱλόμεθʼ ἐκ νηῶν, διὰ δὲ τρίχα κοσμηθέντες

But gentle work make for your plow, yet bear

βάλλομεν· αἶψα δʼ ἔδωκε θεὸς μενοεικέα θήρην.

A lofty harvest when you came to shear;

νῆες μέν μοι ἕποντο δυώδεκα, ἐς δὲ ἑκάστην

For passing fat the soil is. In it lies

ἐννέα λάγχανον αἶγες· ἐμοὶ δὲ δέκʼ ἔξελον οἴῳ.

A harbour so oppórtune, that no ties,

ὣς τότε μὲν πρόπαν ἦμαρ ἐς ἠέλιον καταδύντα

Halsers, or gables need, nor anchors cast.

ἥμεθα δαινύμενοι κρέα τʼ ἄσπετα καὶ μέθυ ἡδύ·

Whom storms put in there are with stay embrac'd,

οὐ γάρ πω νηῶν ἐξέφθιτο οἶνος ἐρυθρός,

Or to their full wills safe, or winds aspire

ἀλλʼ ἐνέην· πολλὸν γὰρ ἐν ἀμφιφορεῦσιν ἕκαστοι

To pilots' uses their more quick desire.

ἠφύσαμεν Κικόνων. ἱερὸν πτολίεθρον ἑλόντες.

At entry of the haven, a silver ford

Κυκλώπων δʼ ἐς γαῖαν ἐλεύσσομεν ἐγγὺς ἐόντων,

Is from a rock-impressing fountain pour'd,

καπνόν τʼ αὐτῶν τε φθογγὴν ὀίων τε καὶ αἰγῶν.

All set with sable poplars. And this port

ἦμος δʼ ἠέλιος κατέδυ καὶ ἐπὶ κνέφας ἦλθε,

Were we arriv'd at, by the sweet resort

δὴ τότε κοιμήθημεν ἐπὶ ῥηγμῖνι θαλάσσης.

Of some God guiding us, for 'twas a night

ἦμος δʼ ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

So ghastly dark all port was past our sight,

καὶ τότʼ ἐγὼν ἀγορὴν θέμενος μετὰ πᾶσιν ἔειπον·

Clouds hid our ships, and would not let the moon

ἄλλοι μὲν νῦν μίμνετʼ, ἐμοὶ ἐρίηρες ἑταῖροι·

Afford a beam to us, the whole isle won

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ σὺν νηί τʼ ἐμῇ καὶ ἐμοῖς ἑτάροισιν

By not an eye of ours. None thought the blore,

ἐλθὼν τῶνδʼ ἀνδρῶν πειρήσομαι, οἵ τινές εἰσιν,

That then was up, shov'd waves' against the shore,

ἤ ῥʼ οἵ γʼ ὑβρισταί τε καὶ ἄγριοι οὐδὲ δίκαιοι,

That then to an unmeasur'd height put on;

ἦε φιλόξεινοι, καί σφιν νόος ἐστὶ θεουδής.

We still at sea esteem'd us, till alone

ὣς εἰπὼν ἀνὰ νηὸς ἔβην, ἐκέλευσα δʼ ἑταίρους

Our fleet put in itself. And then were strook

αὐτούς τʼ ἀμβαίνειν ἀνά τε πρυμνήσια λῦσαι.

Our gather'd sails; our rest ashore we took,

οἱ δʼ αἶψʼ εἴσβαινον καὶ ἐπὶ κληῖσι καθῖζον,

And day expected. When the morn gave fire,

ἑξῆς δʼ ἑζόμενοι πολιὴν ἅλα τύπτον ἐρετμοῖς.

We rose, and walk'd, and did the isle admire;

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ τὸν χῶρον ἀφικόμεθʼ ἐγγὺς ἐόντα,

The Nymphs, Jove's daughters, putting up a herd

ἔνθα δʼ ἐπʼ ἐσχατιῇ σπέος εἴδομεν ἄγχι θαλάσσης,

Of mountain goats to us, to render cheer'd

ὑψηλόν, δάφνῃσι κατηρεφές. ἔνθα δὲ πολλὰ

My fellow soldiers. To our fleet we flew,

μῆλʼ, ὄιές τε καὶ αἶγες, ἰαύεσκον· περὶ δʼ αὐλὴ

Our crooked bows took, long-pil'd darts, and drew

ὑψηλὴ δέδμητο κατωρυχέεσσι λίθοισι

Ourselves in three parts out; when, by the grace

μακρῇσίν τε πίτυσσιν ἰδὲ δρυσὶν ὑψικόμοισιν.

That God vouchsaf'd, we made a gainful chace.

ἔνθα δʼ ἀνὴρ ἐνίαυε πελώριος, ὅς ῥα τὰ μῆλα

Twelve ships we had, and ev'ry ship had nine

οἶος ποιμαίνεσκεν ἀπόπροθεν· οὐδὲ μετʼ ἄλλους

Fat goats allotted [it], ten only mine.

πωλεῖτʼ, ἀλλʼ ἀπάνευθεν ἐὼν ἀθεμίστια ᾔδη.

Thus all that day, ev'n till the sun was set,

καὶ γὰρ θαῦμʼ ἐτέτυκτο πελώριον, οὐδὲ ἐῴκει

We sat and feasted, pleasant wine and meat

ἀνδρί γε σιτοφάγῳ, ἀλλὰ ῥίῳ ὑλήεντι

Plenteously taking; for we had not spent

ὑψηλῶν ὀρέων, ὅ τε φαίνεται οἶον ἀπʼ ἄλλων.

Our ruddy wine aship-board, supplement

δὴ τότε τοὺς ἄλλους κελόμην ἐρίηρας ἑταίρους

Of large sort each man to his vessel drew,

αὐτοῦ πὰρ νηί τε μένειν καὶ νῆα ἔρυσθαι,

When we the sacred city overthrew

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ κρίνας ἑτάρων δυοκαίδεκʼ ἀρίστους

That held the Cicons. Now then saw we near

βῆν· ἀτὰρ αἴγεον ἀσκὸν ἔχον μέλανος οἴνοιο

The Cyclops' late-prais'd island, and might hear

ἡδέος, ὅν μοι ἔδωκε Μάρων, Εὐάνθεος υἱός,

The murmur of their sheep and goats, and see

ἱρεὺς Ἀπόλλωνος, ὃς Ἴσμαρον ἀμφιβεβήκει,

Their smokes ascend. The sun then set, and we,

οὕνεκά μιν σὺν παιδὶ περισχόμεθʼ ἠδὲ γυναικὶ

When night succeeded, took our rest ashore.

ἁζόμενοι· ᾤκει γὰρ ἐν ἄλσεϊ δενδρήεντι

And when the world the morning's favour wore,

Φοίβου Ἀπόλλωνος. ὁ δέ μοι πόρεν ἀγλαὰ δῶρα·

I call'd my friends to council, charging them

χρυσοῦ μέν μοι ἔδωκʼ ἐυεργέος ἑπτὰ τάλαντα,

To make stay there, while I took ship and stream,

δῶκε δέ μοι κρητῆρα πανάργυρον, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

With some associates, and explor'd what men

οἶνον ἐν ἀμφιφορεῦσι δυώδεκα πᾶσιν ἀφύσσας

The neighbour isle held; if of rude disdain,

ἡδὺν ἀκηράσιον, θεῖον ποτόν· οὐδέ τις αὐτὸν

Churlish and tyrannous, or minds bewray'd

ἠείδη δμώων οὐδʼ ἀμφιπόλων ἐνὶ οἴκῳ,

Pious and hospitable. Thus much said,

ἀλλʼ αὐτὸς ἄλοχός τε φίλη ταμίη τε μίʼ οἴη.

I boarded, and commanded to ascend

τὸν δʼ ὅτε πίνοιεν μελιηδέα οἶνον ἐρυθρόν,

My friends and soldiers, to put off, and lend

ἓν δέπας ἐμπλήσας ὕδατος ἀνὰ εἴκοσι μέτρα

Way to our ship. They boarded, sat, and beat

χεῦʼ, ὀδμὴ δʼ ἡδεῖα ἀπὸ κρητῆρος ὀδώδει

The old sea forth, till we might see the seat

θεσπεσίη· τότʼ ἂν οὔ τοι ἀποσχέσθαι φίλον ἦεν.

The greatest Cyclop held for his abode,

τοῦ φέρον ἐμπλήσας ἀσκὸν μέγαν, ἐν δὲ καὶ ᾖα

Which was a deep cave, near the common road

Of ships that touch'd there, thick with laurels spread,

Where many sheep and goats lay shadowéd;

And, near to this, a hall of torn-up stone,

High built with pines, that heav'n and earth attone,

And lofty-fronted oaks; in which kept house

A man in shape immane, and monsterous,

Fed all his flocks alone, nor would afford

Commerce with men, but had a wit abhorr'd,

His mind his body answ'ring. Nor was he

Like any man that food could possibly

Enhance so hugely, but, beheld alone,

Show'd like a steep hill's top, all overgrown

With trees and brambles; little thought had I

Of such vast objects. When, arriv'd so nigh,

Some of my lov'd friends I made stay aboard,

To guard my ship; and twelve with me I shor'd,

The choice of all. I took besides along

A goat-skin flagon of wine, black and strong,

That Maro did present, Evantheus' son,

And priest to Phœbus, who had mansión

In Thracian Ismarus (the town I took).

He gave it me, since I (with rev'rence strook

Of his grave place, his wife and children's good)

Freed all of violence. Amidst a wood,

Sacred to Phœbus, stood his house; from whence

κωρύκῳ· αὐτίκα γάρ μοι ὀίσατο θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

He fetch'd me gifts of varied excellence;

ἄνδρʼ ἐπελεύσεσθαι μεγάλην ἐπιειμένον ἀλκήν,

Sev'n talents of fine gold; a bowl all fram'd

ἄγριον, οὔτε δίκας ἐὺ εἰδότα οὔτε θέμιστας.

Of massy silver; but his gift most fam'd

καρπαλίμως δʼ εἰς ἄντρον ἀφικόμεθʼ, οὐδέ μιν ἔνδον

Was twelve great vessels, fill'd with such rich wine

εὕρομεν, ἀλλʼ ἐνόμευε νομὸν κάτα πίονα μῆλα.

As was incorruptible and divine.

ἐλθόντες δʼ εἰς ἄντρον ἐθηεύμεσθα ἕκαστα.

He kept it as his jewel, which none knew

ταρσοὶ μὲν τυρῶν βρῖθον, στείνοντο δὲ σηκοὶ

But he himself, his wife, and he that drew.

ἀρνῶν ἠδʼ ἐρίφων· διακεκριμέναι δὲ ἕκασται

It was so strong that never any fill'd

ἔρχατο, χωρὶς μὲν πρόγονοι, χωρὶς δὲ μέτασσαι,

A cup, where that was but by drops instill'd,

χωρὶς δʼ αὖθʼ ἕρσαι. ναῖον δʼ ὀρῷ ἄγγεα πάντα,

And drunk it off, but 'twas before allay'd

γαυλοί τε σκαφίδες τε, τετυγμένα, τοῖς ἐνάμελγεν.

With twenty parts in water; yet so sway'd

ἔνθʼ ἐμὲ μὲν πρώτισθʼ ἕταροι λίσσοντʼ ἐπέεσσιν

The spirit of that little, that the whole

τυρῶν αἰνυμένους ἰέναι πάλιν, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

A sacred odour breath'd about the bowl.

καρπαλίμως ἐπὶ νῆα θοὴν ἐρίφους τε καὶ ἄρνας

Had you the odour smelt and scent it cast,

σηκῶν ἐξελάσαντας ἐπιπλεῖν ἁλμυρὸν ὕδωρ·

It would have vex'd you to forbear the taste.

ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ οὐ πιθόμην, ἦ τʼ ἂν πολὺ κέρδιον ἦεν,

But then, the taste gain'd too, the spirit it wrought

ὄφρʼ αὐτόν τε ἴδοιμι, καὶ εἴ μοι ξείνια δοίη.

To dare things high set-up-an-end my thought.

οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔμελλʼ ἑτάροισι φανεὶς ἐρατεινὸς ἔσεσθαι.

Of this a huge great flagon full I bore,

ἔνθα δὲ πῦρ κήαντες ἐθύσαμεν ἠδὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ

And, in a good large knapsack, victuals store;

τυρῶν αἰνύμενοι φάγομεν, μένομέν τέ μιν ἔνδον

And long'd to see this heap of fortitude,

ἥμενοι, ἧος ἐπῆλθε νέμων. φέρε δʼ ὄβριμον ἄχθος

That so illit'rate was and upland rude

ὕλης ἀζαλέης, ἵνα οἱ ποτιδόρπιον εἴη,

That laws divine nor human he had learn'd.

ἔντοσθεν δʼ ἄντροιο βαλὼν ὀρυμαγδὸν ἔθηκεν·

With speed we reach'd the cavern; nor discern'd

ἡμεῖς δὲ δείσαντες ἀπεσσύμεθʼ ἐς μυχὸν ἄντρου.

His presence there, his flocks he fed at field.

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ εἰς εὐρὺ σπέος ἤλασε πίονα μῆλα

Ent'ring his den, each thing beheld did yield

πάντα μάλʼ ὅσσʼ ἤμελγε, τὰ δʼ ἄρσενα λεῖπε θύρηφιν,

Our admiration; shelves with cheeses heap'd;

ἀρνειούς τε τράγους τε, βαθείης ἔκτοθεν αὐλῆς.

Sheds stuff'd with lambs and goats, distinctly kept,

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτʼ ἐπέθηκε θυρεὸν μέγαν ὑψόσʼ ἀείρας,

Distinct the biggest, the more mean distinct,

ὄβριμον· οὐκ ἂν τόν γε δύω καὶ εἴκοσʼ ἄμαξαι

Distinct the youngest. And in their precinct,

ἐσθλαὶ τετράκυκλοι ἀπʼ οὔδεος ὀχλίσσειαν·

Proper and placeful, stood the troughs and pails,

τόσσην ἠλίβατον πέτρην ἐπέθηκε θύρῃσιν.

In which he milk'd; and what was giv'n at meals,

ἑζόμενος δʼ ἤμελγεν ὄις καὶ μηκάδας αἶγας,

Set up a creaming; in the ev'ning still

πάντα κατὰ μοῖραν, καὶ ὑπʼ ἔμβρυον ἧκεν ἑκάστῃ.

All scouring bright as dew upon the hill.

αὐτίκα δʼ ἥμισυ μὲν θρέψας λευκοῖο γάλακτος

Then were my fellows instant to convey

πλεκτοῖς ἐν ταλάροισιν ἀμησάμενος κατέθηκεν,

Kids, cheeses, lambs, aship-board, and away

ἥμισυ δʼ αὖτʼ ἔστησεν ἐν ἄγγεσιν, ὄφρα οἱ εἴη

Sail the salt billow. I thought best not so,

πίνειν αἰνυμένῳ καί οἱ ποτιδόρπιον εἴη.

But better otherwise; and first would know,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ σπεῦσε πονησάμενος τὰ ἃ ἔργα,

What guest-gifts he would spare me. Little knew

καὶ τότε πῦρ ἀνέκαιε καὶ εἴσιδεν, εἴρετο δʼ ἡμέας·

My friends on whom they would have prey'd. His view

ὦ ξεῖνοι, τίνες ἐστέ; πόθεν πλεῖθʼ ὑγρὰ κέλευθα;

Prov'd after, that his inwards were too rough

ἦ τι κατὰ πρῆξιν ἦ μαψιδίως ἀλάλησθε,

For such bold usage. We were bold enough

οἷά τε ληιστῆρες, ὑπεὶρ ἅλα, τοί τʼ ἀλόωνται

In what I suffer'd; which was there to stay,

ψυχὰς παρθέμενοι κακὸν ἀλλοδαποῖσι φέροντες;

Make fire and feed there, though bear none away.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, ἡμῖν δʼ αὖτε κατεκλάσθη φίλον ἦτορ,

There sat we, till we saw him feeding come,

δεισάντων φθόγγον τε βαρὺν αὐτόν τε πέλωρον.

And on his neck a burthen lugging home,

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὥς μιν ἔπεσσιν ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπον·

Most highly huge, of sere-wood, which the pile

ἡμεῖς τοι Τροίηθεν ἀποπλαγχθέντες Ἀχαιοὶ

That fed his fire supplied all supper-while.

παντοίοις ἀνέμοισιν ὑπὲρ μέγα λαῖτμα θαλάσσης,

Down by his den he threw it, and up rose

οἴκαδε ἱέμενοι, ἄλλην ὁδὸν ἄλλα κέλευθα

A tumult with the fall. Afraid, we close

ἤλθομεν· οὕτω που Ζεὺς ἤθελε μητίσασθαι.

Withdrew ourselves, while he into a cave

λαοὶ δʼ Ἀτρεΐδεω Ἀγαμέμνονος εὐχόμεθʼ εἶναι,

Of huge receipt his high-fed cattle drave,

τοῦ δὴ νῦν γε μέγιστον ὑπουράνιον κλέος ἐστί·

All that he milk'd; the males he left without

τόσσην γὰρ διέπερσε πόλιν καὶ ἀπώλεσε λαοὺς

His lofty roofs, that all bestrow'd about

πολλούς. ἡμεῖς δʼ αὖτε κιχανόμενοι τὰ σὰ γοῦνα

With rams and buck-goats were. And then a rock

ἱκόμεθʼ, εἴ τι πόροις ξεινήιον ἠὲ καὶ ἄλλως

He lift aloft, that damm'd up to his flock

δοίης δωτίνην, ἥ τε ξείνων θέμις ἐστίν.

The door they enter'd; 'twas so hard to wield,

ἀλλʼ αἰδεῖο, φέριστε, θεούς· ἱκέται δέ τοί εἰμεν,

That two-and-twenty waggons, all four-wheel'd,

Ζεὺς δʼ ἐπιτιμήτωρ ἱκετάων τε ξείνων τε,

(Could they be loaded, and have teams that were

ξείνιος, ὃς ξείνοισιν ἅμʼ αἰδοίοισιν ὀπηδεῖ.

Proportion'd to them) could not stir it there.

ὣς ἐφάμην, ὁ δέ μʼ αὐτίκʼ ἀμείβετο νηλέι θυμῷ·

Thus making sure, he kneel'd and milk'd his ewes,

νήπιός εἰς, ὦ ξεῖνʼ, ἢ τηλόθεν εἰλήλουθας,

And braying goats, with all a milker's dues;

ὅς με θεοὺς κέλεαι ἢ δειδίμεν ἢ ἀλέασθαι·

Then let in all their young. Then quick did dress

οὐ γὰρ Κύκλωπες Διὸς αἰγιόχου ἀλέγουσιν

His half milk up for cheese, and in a press

οὐδὲ θεῶν μακάρων, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτεροί εἰμεν·

Of wicker press'd it; put in bowls the rest,

οὐδʼ ἂν ἐγὼ Διὸς ἔχθος ἀλευάμενος πεφιδοίμην

To drink and eat, and serve his supping feast.

οὔτε σεῦ οὔθʼ ἑτάρων, εἰ μὴ θυμός με κελεύοι.

All works dispatch'd thus, he began his fire;

ἀλλά μοι εἴφʼ ὅπῃ ἔσχες ἰὼν ἐυεργέα νῆα,

Which blown, he saw us, and did thus inquire:

ἤ που ἐπʼ ἐσχατιῆς, ἦ καὶ σχεδόν, ὄφρα δαείω.

'Ho! guests! What are ye? Whence sail ye these seas?

ὣς φάτο πειράζων, ἐμὲ δʼ οὐ λάθεν εἰδότα πολλά,

Traffic, or rove ye, and like thieves oppress

ἀλλά μιν ἄψορρον προσέφην δολίοις ἐπέεσσι·

Poor strange adventurers, exposing so

νέα μέν μοι κατέαξε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων

Your souls to danger, and your lives to woe?'

This utter'd he, when fear from our hearts took

The very life, to be so thunder-strook

With such a voice, and such a monster see;

But thus I answer'd: 'Erring Grecians, we

From Troy were turning homewards, but by force

Of adverse winds, in far diverted course,

Such unknown ways took, and on rude seas toss'd,

As Jove decreed, are cast upon this coast,

Of Agamemnon, famous Atreus' son,

We boast ourselves the soldiers; who hath won

Renown that reacheth heav'n, to overthrow

So great a city, and to ruin so

So many nations. Yet at thy knees lie

Our prostrate bosoms, forc'd with pray'rs to try

If any hospitable right, or boon

Of other nature, such as have been won

By laws of other houses, thou wilt give.

Rev'rence the Gods, thou great'st of all that live.

We suppliants are; and hospitable Jove

Pours wreak on all whom pray'rs want pow'r to move,

And with their plagues together will provide

That humble guests shall have their wants supplied.'

He cruelly answer'd: 'O thou fool,' said he,

To come so far, and to importune me

πρὸς πέτρῃσι βαλὼν ὑμῆς ἐπὶ πείρασι γαίης,

With any God's fear, or observéd love!

ἄκρῃ προσπελάσας· ἄνεμος δʼ ἐκ πόντου ἔνεικεν·

We Cyclops care not for your goat-fed Jove,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ σὺν τοῖσδε ὑπέκφυγον αἰπὺν ὄλεθρον.

Nor other Bless'd ones; we are better far.

ὣς ἐφάμην, ὁ δέ μʼ οὐδὲν ἀμείβετο νηλέι θυμῷ,

To Jove himself dare I bid open war,

ἀλλʼ ὅ γʼ ἀναΐξας ἑτάροις ἐπὶ χεῖρας ἴαλλε,

To thee, and all thy fellows, if I please.

σὺν δὲ δύω μάρψας ὥς τε σκύλακας ποτὶ γαίῃ

But tell me, where's the ship, that by the seas

κόπτʼ· ἐκ δʼ ἐγκέφαλος χαμάδις ῥέε, δεῦε δὲ γαῖαν.

Hath brought thee hither? If far off, or near,

τοὺς δὲ διὰ μελεϊστὶ ταμὼν ὡπλίσσατο δόρπον·

Inform me quickly.' These his temptings were;

ἤσθιε δʼ ὥς τε λέων ὀρεσίτροφος, οὐδʼ ἀπέλειπεν,

But I too much knew not to know his mind,

ἔγκατά τε σάρκας τε καὶ ὀστέα μυελόεντα.

And craft with craft paid, telling him the wind

ἡμεῖς δὲ κλαίοντες ἀνεσχέθομεν Διὶ χεῖρας,

(Thrust up from sea by Him that shakes the shore)

σχέτλια ἔργʼ ὁρόωντες, ἀμηχανίη δʼ ἔχε θυμόν.

Had dash'd our ships against his rocks, and tore

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ Κύκλωψ μεγάλην ἐμπλήσατο νηδὺν

Her ribs in pieces close upon his coast,

ἀνδρόμεα κρέʼ ἔδων καὶ ἐπʼ ἄκρητον γάλα πίνων,

And we from high wrack sav'd, the rest were lost.

κεῖτʼ ἔντοσθʼ ἄντροιο τανυσσάμενος διὰ μήλων.

He answer'd nothing, but rush'd in, and took

τὸν μὲν ἐγὼ βούλευσα κατὰ μεγαλήτορα θυμὸν

Two of my fellows up from earth, and strook

ἆσσον ἰών, ξίφος ὀξὺ ἐρυσσάμενος παρὰ μηροῦ,

Their brains against it. Like two whelps they flew

οὐτάμεναι πρὸς στῆθος, ὅθι φρένες ἧπαρ ἔχουσι,

About his shoulders, and did all embrue

χείρʼ ἐπιμασσάμενος· ἕτερος δέ με θυμὸς ἔρυκεν.

The blushing earth. No mountain lion tore

αὐτοῦ γάρ κε καὶ ἄμμες ἀπωλόμεθʼ αἰπὺν ὄλεθρον·

Two lambs so sternly, lapp'd up all their gore

οὐ γάρ κεν δυνάμεσθα θυράων ὑψηλάων

Gush'd from their torn-up bodies, limb by limb

χερσὶν ἀπώσασθαι λίθον ὄβριμον, ὃν προσέθηκεν.

(Trembling with life yet) ravish'd into him.

ὣς τότε μὲν στενάχοντες ἐμείναμεν Ἠῶ δῖαν.

Both flesh and marrow-stufféd bones he eat,

ἦμος δʼ ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

And ev'n th' uncleanséd entrails made his meat.

καὶ τότε πῦρ ἀνέκαιε καὶ ἤμελγε κλυτὰ μῆλα,

We, weeping, cast our hands to heav'n, to view

πάντα κατὰ μοῖραν, καὶ ὑπʼ ἔμβρυον ἧκεν ἑκάστῃ.

A sight so horrid. Desperation flew,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ σπεῦσε πονησάμενος τὰ ἃ ἔργα,

With all our after lives, to instant death,

σὺν δʼ ὅ γε δὴ αὖτε δύω μάρψας ὡπλίσσατο δεῖπνον.

In our believ'd destruction. But when breath

δειπνήσας δʼ ἄντρου ἐξήλασε πίονα μῆλα,

The fury of his appetite had got,

ῥηιδίως ἀφελὼν θυρεὸν μέγαν· αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

Because the gulf his belly reach'd his throat,

ἂψ ἐπέθηχʼ, ὡς εἴ τε φαρέτρῃ πῶμʼ ἐπιθείη.

Man's flesh, and goat's milk, laying lay'r on lay'r,

πολλῇ δὲ ῥοίζῳ πρὸς ὄρος τρέπε πίονα μῆλα

Till near chok'd up was all the pass for air,

Κύκλωψ· αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ λιπόμην κακὰ βυσσοδομεύων,

Along his den, among'st his cattle, down

εἴ πως τισαίμην, δοίη δέ μοι εὖχος Ἀθήνη.

He rush'd, and streak'd him. When my mind was grown

ἥδε δέ μοι κατὰ θυμὸν ἀρίστη φαίνετο βουλή.

Desp'rate to step in, draw my sword, and part

Κύκλωπος γὰρ ἔκειτο μέγα ῥόπαλον παρὰ σηκῷ,

His bosom where the strings about the heart

χλωρὸν ἐλαΐνεον· τὸ μὲν ἔκταμεν, ὄφρα φοροίη

Circle the liver, and add strength of hand.

αὐανθέν. τὸ μὲν ἄμμες ἐίσκομεν εἰσορόωντες

But that rash thought, more stay'd, did countermand,

ὅσσον θʼ ἱστὸν νηὸς ἐεικοσόροιο μελαίνης,

For there we all had perish'd, since it past

φορτίδος εὐρείης, ἥ τʼ ἐκπεράᾳ μέγα λαῖτμα·

Our pow'rs to lift aside a log so vast,

τόσσον ἔην μῆκος, τόσσον πάχος εἰσοράασθαι.

As barr'd all outscape; and so sigh'd away

τοῦ μὲν ὅσον τʼ ὄργυιαν ἐγὼν ἀπέκοψα παραστὰς

The thought all night, expecting active day.

καὶ παρέθηχʼ ἑτάροισιν, ἀποξῦναι δʼ ἐκέλευσα·

Which come, he first of all his fire enflames,

οἱ δʼ ὁμαλὸν ποίησαν· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐθόωσα παραστὰς

Then milks his goats and ewes, then to their dams

ἄκρον, ἄφαρ δὲ λαβὼν ἐπυράκτεον ἐν πυρὶ κηλέῳ.

Lets in their young, and, wondrous orderly,

καὶ τὸ μὲν εὖ κατέθηκα κατακρύψας ὑπὸ κόπρῳ,

With manly haste dispatch'd his housewif'ry.

ἥ ῥα κατὰ σπείους κέχυτο μεγάλʼ ἤλιθα πολλή·

Then to his breakfast, to which other two

αὐτὰρ τοὺς ἄλλους κλήρῳ πεπαλάσθαι ἄνωγον,

Of my poor friends went; which eat, out then go

ὅς τις τολμήσειεν ἐμοὶ σὺν μοχλὸν ἀείρας

His herds and fat flocks, lightly putting by

τρῖψαι ἐν ὀφθαλμῷ, ὅτε τὸν γλυκὺς ὕπνος ἱκάνοι.

The churlish bar, and clos'd it instantly;

οἱ δʼ ἔλαχον τοὺς ἄν κε καὶ ἤθελον αὐτὸς ἑλέσθαι,

For both those works with ease as much he did,

τέσσαρες, αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ πέμπτος μετὰ τοῖσιν ἐλέγμην.

As you would ope and shut your quiver lid.

ἑσπέριος δʼ ἦλθεν καλλίτριχα μῆλα νομεύων.

With storms of whistlings then his flock he drave

αὐτίκα δʼ εἰς εὐρὺ σπέος ἤλασε πίονα μῆλα

Up to the mountains; and occasion gave

πάντα μάλʼ, οὐδέ τι λεῖπε βαθείης ἔκτοθεν αὐλῆς,

For me to use my wits, which to their height

ἤ τι ὀισάμενος, ἢ καὶ θεὸς ὣς ἐκέλευσεν.

I striv'd to screw up, that a vengeance might

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτʼ ἐπέθηκε θυρεὸν μέγαν ὑψόσʼ ἀείρας,

By some means fall from thence, and Pallas now

ἑζόμενος δʼ ἤμελγεν ὄις καὶ μηκάδας αἶγας,

Afford a full ear to my neediest vow.

πάντα κατὰ μοῖραν, καὶ ὑπʼ ἔμβρυον ἧκεν ἑκάστῃ.

This then my thoughts preferr'd: A huge club lay

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ σπεῦσε πονησάμενος τὰ ἃ ἔργα,

Close by his milk-house, which was now in way

σὺν δʼ ὅ γε δὴ αὖτε δύω μάρψας ὡπλίσσατο δόρπον.

To dry and season, being an olive-tree

καὶ τότʼ ἐγὼ Κύκλωπα προσηύδων ἄγχι παραστάς,

Which late he fell'd, and, being green, must be

κισσύβιον μετὰ χερσὶν ἔχων μέλανος οἴνοιο·

Made lighter for his manage. 'Twas so vast,

Κύκλωψ, τῆ, πίε οἶνον, ἐπεὶ φάγες ἀνδρόμεα κρέα,

That we resembled it to some fit mast,

ὄφρʼ εἰδῇς οἷόν τι ποτὸν τόδε νηῦς ἐκεκεύθει

To serve a ship of burthen that was driv'n

ἡμετέρη. σοὶ δʼ αὖ λοιβὴν φέρον, εἴ μʼ ἐλεήσας

With twenty oars, and had a bigness giv'n

οἴκαδε πέμψειας· σὺ δὲ μαίνεαι οὐκέτʼ ἀνεκτῶς.

To bear a huge sea. Full so thick, so tall,

σχέτλιε, πῶς κέν τίς σε καὶ ὕστερον ἄλλος ἵκοιτο

We judg'd this club; which I, in part, hew'd small,

ἀνθρώπων πολέων, ἐπεὶ οὐ κατὰ μοῖραν ἔρεξας;

And cut a fathom off. The piece I gave

ὣς ἐφάμην, ὁ δʼ ἔδεκτο καὶ ἔκπιεν· ἥσατο δʼ αἰνῶς

Amongst my soldiers, to take down, and shave;

Which done, I sharpen'd it at top, and then,

Harden'd in fire, I hid it in the den

Within a nasty dunghill reeking there,

Thick, and so moist it issued ev'rywhere.

Then made I lots cast by my friends to try

Whose fortune serv'd to dare the bor'd-out eye

Of that man-eater; and the lot did fall

On four I wish'd to make my aid of all,

And I the fifth made, chosen like the rest.

Then came the even, and he came from the feast

Of his fat cattle, drave in all; nor kept

One male abroad; if, or his memory slept

By Gods' direct will, or of purpose was

His driving in of all then, doth surpass

My comprehension. But he clos'd again

The mighty bar, milk'd, and did still maintain

All other observation as before.

His work all done, two of my soldiers more

At once he snatch'd up, and to supper went.

Then dar'd I words to him, and did present

A bowl of wine, with these words: 'Cyclop! take

A bowl of wine, from my hand, that may make

Way for the man's flesh thou hast eat, and show

What drink our ship held; which in sacred vow

I offer to thee to take ruth on me

ἡδὺ ποτὸν πίνων καὶ μʼ ᾔτεε δεύτερον αὖτις·

In my dismission home. Thy rages be

δός μοι ἔτι πρόφρων, καί μοι τεὸν οὔνομα εἰπὲ

Now no more sufferable. How shall men,

αὐτίκα νῦν, ἵνα τοι δῶ ξείνιον, ᾧ κε σὺ χαίρῃς·

Mad and inhuman that thou art, again

καὶ γὰρ Κυκλώπεσσι φέρει ζείδωρος ἄρουρα

Greet thy abode, and get thy actions grace,

οἶνον ἐριστάφυλον, καί σφιν Διὸς ὄμβρος ἀέξει·

If thus thou ragest, and eat'st up their race.'

ἀλλὰ τόδʼ ἀμβροσίης καὶ νέκταρός ἐστιν ἀπορρώξ.

He took, and drunk, and vehemently joy'd

ὣς φάτʼ, ἀτάρ οἱ αὖτις ἐγὼ πόρον αἴθοπα οἶνον.

To taste the sweet cup; and again employ'd

τρὶς μὲν ἔδωκα φέρων, τρὶς δʼ ἔκπιεν ἀφραδίῃσιν.

My flagon's pow'rs, entreating more, and said:

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ Κύκλωπα περὶ φρένας ἤλυθεν οἶνος,

'Good guest, again afford my taste thy aid,

καὶ τότε δή μιν ἔπεσσι προσηύδων μειλιχίοισι·

And let me know thy name, and quickly now,

Κύκλωψ, εἰρωτᾷς μʼ ὄνομα κλυτόν, αὐτὰρ ἐγώ τοι

That in thy recompense I may bestow

ἐξερέω· σὺ δέ μοι δὸς ξείνιον, ὥς περ ὑπέστης.

A hospitable gift on thy desert,

Οὖτις ἐμοί γʼ ὄνομα· Οὖτιν δέ με κικλήσκουσι

And such a one as shall rejoice thy heart.

μήτηρ ἠδὲ πατὴρ ἠδʼ ἄλλοι πάντες ἑταῖροι.

For to the Cyclops too the gentle earth

ὣς ἐφάμην, ὁ δέ μʼ αὐτίκʼ ἀμείβετο νηλέι θυμῷ·

Bears gen'rous wine, and Jove augments her birth,

Οὖτιν ἐγὼ πύματον ἔδομαι μετὰ οἷς ἑτάροισιν,

In store of such, with show'rs; but this rich wine

τοὺς δʼ ἄλλους πρόσθεν· τὸ δέ τοι ξεινήιον ἔσται.

Fell from the river, that is mere divine,

ἦ καὶ ἀνακλινθεὶς πέσεν ὕπτιος, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

Of nectar and ambrosia.' This again

κεῖτʼ ἀποδοχμώσας παχὺν αὐχένα, κὰδ δέ μιν ὕπνος

I gave him, and again; nor could the fool abstain,

ᾕρει πανδαμάτωρ· φάρυγος δʼ ἐξέσσυτο οἶνος

But drunk as often. When the noble juice

ψωμοί τʼ ἀνδρόμεοι· ὁ δʼ ἐρεύγετο οἰνοβαρείων.

Had wrought upon his spirit, I then gave use

καὶ τότʼ ἐγὼ τὸν μοχλὸν ὑπὸ σποδοῦ ἤλασα πολλῆς,

To fairer language, saying: 'Cyclop! now,

ἧος θερμαίνοιτο· ἔπεσσι δὲ πάντας ἑταίρους

As thou demand'st, I'll tell my name, do thou

θάρσυνον, μή τίς μοι ὑποδείσας ἀναδύη.

Make good thy hospitable gift to me.

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ τάχʼ ὁ μοχλὸς ἐλάινος ἐν πυρὶ μέλλεν

My name is No-Man; No-Man each degree

ἅψεσθαι, χλωρός περ ἐών, διεφαίνετο δʼ αἰνῶς,

Of friends, as well as parents, call my name.'

καὶ τότʼ ἐγὼν ἆσσον φέρον ἐκ πυρός, ἀμφὶ δʼ ἑταῖροι

He answer'd, as his cruel soul became:

ἵσταντʼ· αὐτὰρ θάρσος ἐνέπνευσεν μέγα δαίμων.

'No-Man! I'll eat thee last of all thy friends;

οἱ μὲν μοχλὸν ἑλόντες ἐλάινον, ὀξὺν ἐπʼ ἄκρῳ,

And this is that in which so much amends

ὀφθαλμῷ ἐνέρεισαν· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐφύπερθεν ἐρεισθεὶς

I vow'd to thy deservings, thus shall be

δίνεον, ὡς ὅτε τις τρυπῷ δόρυ νήιον ἀνὴρ

My hospitable gift made good to thee.'

τρυπάνῳ, οἱ δέ τʼ ἔνερθεν ὑποσσείουσιν ἱμάντι

This said, he upwards fell, but then bent round

ἁψάμενοι ἑκάτερθε, τὸ δὲ τρέχει ἐμμενὲς αἰεί.

His fleshy neck; and Sleep, with all crowns crown'd,

ὣς τοῦ ἐν ὀφθαλμῷ πυριήκεα μοχλὸν ἑλόντες

Subdued the savage. From his throat brake out

δινέομεν, τὸν δʼ αἷμα περίρρεε θερμὸν ἐόντα.

My wine, with man's-flesh gobbets, like a spout,

πάντα δέ οἱ βλέφαρʼ ἀμφὶ καὶ ὀφρύας εὗσεν ἀυτμὴ

When, loaded with his cups, he lay and snor'd;

γλήνης καιομένης, σφαραγεῦντο δέ οἱ πυρὶ ῥίζαι.

And then took I the club's end up, and gor'd

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἀνὴρ χαλκεὺς πέλεκυν μέγαν ἠὲ σκέπαρνον

The burning coal-heap, that the point might heat;

εἰν ὕδατι ψυχρῷ βάπτῃ μεγάλα ἰάχοντα

Confirm'd my fellow's minds, lest Fear should let

φαρμάσσων· τὸ γὰρ αὖτε σιδήρου γε κράτος ἐστίν

Their vow'd assay, and make them fly my aid.

ὣς τοῦ σίζʼ ὀφθαλμὸς ἐλαϊνέῳ περὶ μοχλῷ.

Straight was the olive-lever, I had laid

σμερδαλέον δὲ μέγʼ ᾤμωξεν, περὶ δʼ ἴαχε πέτρη,

Amidst the huge fire to get hard'ning, hot,

ἡμεῖς δὲ δείσαντες ἀπεσσύμεθʼ· αὐτὰρ ὁ μοχλὸν

And glow'd extremely, though 'twas green; which got

ἐξέρυσʼ ὀφθαλμοῖο πεφυρμένον αἵματι πολλῷ.

From forth the cinders, close about me stood

τὸν μὲν ἔπειτʼ ἔρριψεν ἀπὸ ἕο χερσὶν ἀλύων,

My hardy friends; but that which did the good

αὐτὰρ ὁ Κύκλωπας μεγάλʼ ἤπυεν, οἵ ῥά μιν ἀμφὶς

Was God's good inspiratión, that gave

ᾤκεον ἐν σπήεσσι διʼ ἄκριας ἠνεμοέσσας.

A spirit beyond the spirit they us'd to have;

οἱ δὲ βοῆς ἀίοντες ἐφοίτων ἄλλοθεν ἄλλος,

Who took the olive spar, made keen before,

ἱστάμενοι δʼ εἴροντο περὶ σπέος ὅττι ἑ κήδοι·

And plung'd it in his eye, and up I bore,

τίπτε τόσον, Πολύφημʼ, ἀρημένος ὧδʼ ἐβόησας

Bent to the top close, and help'd pour it in,

νύκτα διʼ ἀμβροσίην καὶ ἀύπνους ἄμμε τίθησθα;

With all my forces. And as you have seen

ἦ μή τίς σευ μῆλα βροτῶν ἀέκοντος ἐλαύνει;

A ship-wright bore a naval beam, he oft

ἦ μή τίς σʼ αὐτὸν κτείνει δόλῳ ἠὲ βίηφιν;

Thrusts at the auger's froofe, works still aloft,

τοὺς δʼ αὖτʼ ἐξ ἄντρου προσέφη κρατερὸς Πολύφημος·

And at the shank help others, with a cord

ὦ φίλοι, Οὖτίς με κτείνει δόλῳ οὐδὲ βίηφιν.

Wound round about to make it sooner bor'd,

οἱ δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενοι ἔπεα πτερόεντʼ ἀγόρευον·

All plying the round still; so into his eye

εἰ μὲν δὴ μή τίς σε βιάζεται οἶον ἐόντα,

The fiery stake we labour'd to imply.

νοῦσον γʼ οὔ πως ἔστι Διὸς μεγάλου ἀλέασθαι,

Out gush'd the blood that scalded, his eye-ball

ἀλλὰ σύ γʼ εὔχεο πατρὶ Ποσειδάωνι ἄνακτι.

Thrust out a flaming vapour, that scorch'd all

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφαν ἀπιόντες, ἐμὸν δʼ ἐγέλασσε φίλον κῆρ,

His brows and eye-lids, his eye-strings did crack,

ὡς ὄνομʼ ἐξαπάτησεν ἐμὸν καὶ μῆτις ἀμύμων.

As in the sharp and burning rafter brake.

Κύκλωψ δὲ στενάχων τε καὶ ὠδίνων ὀδύνῃσι

And as a smith, to harden any tool,

χερσὶ ψηλαφόων ἀπὸ μὲν λίθον εἷλε θυράων,

Broad axe, or mattock, in his trough doth cool

αὐτὸς δʼ εἰνὶ θύρῃσι καθέζετο χεῖρε πετάσσας,

The red-hot substance, that so fervent is

εἴ τινά που μετʼ ὄεσσι λάβοι στείχοντα θύραζε·

It makes the cold wave straight to seethe and hiss;

οὕτω γάρ πού μʼ ἤλπετʼ ἐνὶ φρεσὶ νήπιον εἶναι.

So sod and hiss'd his eye about the stake.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ βούλευον, ὅπως ὄχʼ ἄριστα γένοιτο,

He roar'd withal, and all his cavern brake

εἴ τινʼ ἑταίροισιν θανάτου λύσιν ἠδʼ ἐμοὶ αὐτῷ

In claps like thunder. We did frighted fly,

εὑροίμην· πάντας δὲ δόλους καὶ μῆτιν ὕφαινον

Dispers'd in corners. He from forth his eye

ὥς τε περὶ ψυχῆς· μέγα γὰρ κακὸν ἐγγύθεν ἦεν.

The fixed stake pluck'd; after which the blood

ἥδε δέ μοι κατὰ θυμὸν ἀρίστη φαίνετο βουλή.

Flow'd freshly forth; and, mad, he hurl'd the wood

About his hovel. Out he then did cry

For other Cyclops, that in caverns by

Upon a windy promontory dwell'd;

Who, hearing how impetuously he yell'd,

Rush'd ev'ry way about him, and inquir'd,

What ill afflicted him, that he exspir'd

Such horrid clamours, and in sacred Night

To break their sleeps so? Ask'd him, if his fright