Against him, and plucked forth the brazen spear, And left it leaning there. And then I broke Lithe osiers from the shrubs, and twined of these A rope, which, doubled, was an ell in length. With that I tied the enormous creature’s feet, And slung him on my neck, and brought him thus To my black ship. I used the spear to prop My steps, since he no longer could be borne Upon the shoulder, aided by the hand, Such was the animal’s bulk. I flung him down Before the ship, encouraging my men With cheerful words, and thus I said to each:—
“ ‘My friends, we will not, wretched as we are, Go down to Pluto’s realm before our time. While food and wine are yet within the hold Of our good galley, let us not forget Our daily meals, and famine-stricken pine.’
“I spake; they all obeyed, and at my word Came forth, and standing by the barren deep Admired the stag, for he was huge of bulk; And when their eyes were tired with wondering, My people washed their hands, and soon had made A noble banquet ready. All that day Till set of sun we sat and feasted there Upon the abundant meat and delicate wine; And when the sun went down, and darkness came, We slept upon the shore. But when the Morn, The rosy-fingered child of Dawn, looked forth, I called a council of my men and spake:—
“ ‘Give ear, my friends, amid your sufferings, To words that I shall say. We cannot here Know which way lies the west, nor where the east, Nor where the sun, that shines for all mankind, Descends below the earth, nor where again He rises from it. Yet will we consult, If room there be for counsel—which I doubt, For when I climbed that height I overlooked An isle surrounded by the boundless deep— An isle low lying. In the midst I saw Smoke rising from a thicket of the wood.’