Ten years a tedious warfare raged, Ere Ilium’s smoking ruins paid For wedlock stained and faith betrayed, And great Atrides’ wrath assuaged.

But when heaven’s anger asked a life, And baffling winds his course withstood, The king put off his fatherhood, And slew his child with priestly knife.

When by the cavern’s glimmering light His comrades dear Odysseus saw In the huge Cyclops’ hideous maw Engulfed, he wept the piteous sight.

But blinded soon, and wild with pain⁠— In bitter tears and sore annoy⁠— For that foul feast’s unholy joy Grim Polyphemus paid again.

His labours for Alcides win A name of glory far and wide; He tamed the Centaur’s haughty pride, And from the lion reft his skin.