Book X

live by bread Inhabited the land. Two chosen men I sent, a herald made the third; and these Went inland by a level path, on which The wains brought fuel from the woody heights Into the city. On their way they met, Before the town, a damsel with an ewer⁠— The stately daughter of Antiphates, The Laestrigonian, who was coming down To where Artacia’s smoothly flowing fount Gave water for the city. They drew near And spake, and asked her who was sovereign there, And who his people. Straight she pointed out A lofty pile in which her father dwelt. They entered that proud palace, and beheld, Tall as a mountain peak, the monarch’s wife, And shuddered at the sight. With eager haste She called her husband, King Antiphates, From council. With a murderous intent He came, and, seizing one of my poor friends, Devoured him, while the other two betook Themselves to sudden flight and reached the ships. And then he raised a fearful yell that rang Through all the city. The strong Laestrigons Rushed forth by thousands from all sides, more like To giants than to common men. They hurled Stones of enormous weight from cliffs above, And