Book XV

a cunning man, Came to my father’s house, and brought with him A golden necklace set with amber beads. The palace maidens and the gracious queen, My mother, took it in their hands, and gazed Upon it, and debated of its price. Meantime the bearer gave the sign, and soon Departed to the ship. The woman took My hand and led me forth. Within the hall She found upon the tables ready placed The goblets for my father’s guests, his peers; But they were absent, and in council yet Amid a great assembly. She concealed Three goblets in her bosom, and bore off The theft. I followed thoughtlessly. The sun Went down, and darkness brooded o’er the ways. Briskly we walked, and reached the famous port And the fast-sailing ship. They took us both On board, and sailed. Along its ocean path The vessel ran, and Jupiter bestowed A favorable wind. Six days we sailed, Both night and day; but when Saturnian Jove Brought the seventh day, Diana, archer-queen, Struck down the woman, and with sudden noise Headlong she plunged into the hold, as dives A seagull. But the seamen cast her forth To fishes and to sea-calves. I was left Alone and sorrowful. The winds and waves Carried our galley on to Ithaca; And there Laertes purchased me, and thus I first beheld the land in which I dwell.”