“ ‘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 thee The threatened evil. I will now reveal The treacherous arts of Circè. She will bring A mingled draught to thee, and drug the bowl, But will not harm thee thus; the virtuous plant I gave thee will prevent it. Hear yet more: When she shall smite thee with her wand, draw forth Thy good sword from thy thigh and rush at her As if to take her life, and she will crouch In fear, and will solicit thine embrace. Refuse her not, that so she may release Thy comrades, and may send thee also back To thine own land; but first exact of her The solemn oath which binds the blessed gods, That she will meditate no other harm To thee, nor strip thee of thy manly strength.’