yet nobly seated. Someone there, Goddess or woman, weaving busily An ample web, sang sweetly as she wrought. My comrades called aloud, and forth she came, And threw at once the shining doors apart, And bade us enter. Without thought the rest Followed, while I alone, suspecting guile, Remained without. My comrades, from that hour, Were seen no more; not one of them again Came forth, though long I sat and watched for them.’
“He spake; I slung my silver-studded sword Upon my shoulders—a huge blade of brass— And my bow with it, and commanded him To lead the way. He seized and clasped my knees With both his hands in attitude of prayer, And sorrowfully said these winged words:—
“ ‘Take me not thither; force me not to go, O foster-child of Jove! but leave me here; For thou wilt not return, I know, nor yet Deliver one of our lost friends. Our part Is to betake ourselves to instant flight With these who yet remain, and so escape.’
“He spake, and I replied: ‘Eurylochus, Remain thou here, beside our roomy ship, Eating and drinking. I shall surely go. A strong necessity is laid on me.’
“I spake, and from the ship and shore went up Into the isle; and when I found myself Within that awful valley, and not far From the great palace in which Circè dwelt, The sorceress, there met me on my way A youth; he seemed in manhood’s early prime, When youth has most of grace. He took my hand And held it, and, accosting me, began:—
“ ‘Rash mortal! whither art thou wandering thus Alone among the hills, where every place Is strange to thee? Thy comrades are shut up In Circè’s palace in close cells like swine. Com’st thou to set them free? Nay, thou like them Wilt rather find thyself constrained to stay. Let me bestow the means to make thee safe Against that mischief. Take this potent herb, And bear it with thee to the palace-halls Of Circè, and it shall avert from