Book IX

galley, where it almost struck The rudder’s end. The sea was dashed on high Beneath the falling rock, and bore our ship On toward the shore we sought. When we reached The island where together in a fleet Our other galleys lay, we found our friends Sitting where they had waited long in grief. We touched the shore and drew our galley up On the smooth sand, and stepped upon the beach; And taking from on board the sheep that formed Part of the Cyclops’ flock, divided them, That none might be without an equal share. When all the rest were shared, my warrior friends Decreed the ram to me. Of him I made Upon the beach a sacrifice to Jove The Cloud-compeller, Saturn’s son, whose rule Is over all; to him I burned the thighs. He heeded not the offering; even then He planned the wreck of all my gallant ships, And death of my dear comrades. All that day Till set of sun we sat and feasted high Upon the abundant meats and delicate wine. But when the sun went down, and darkness crept Over the earth, we slumbered on the shore; And when again the daughter of the Dawn, The rosy-fingered Morn, looked forth, I called My men with cheerful words to climb the decks And cast the hawsers loose. With speed they went On board and manned the benches, took in hand The oars and smote with them the hoary deep. Onward in sadness, glad to have escaped, We sailed, yet sorrowing for our comrades lost.”