He spake, and made the hawser of a ship Fast to a lofty shaft; the other end He wound about the kitchen vault. So high He stretched it that the feet of none who hung On it might touch the ground. As when a flock Of broad-winged thrushes or wild pigeons strike A net within a thicket, as they seek Their perch, and find unwelcome durance there, So hung the women, with their heads a-row, And cords about their necks, that they might die A miserable death. A little while, And but a little, quivered their loose feet In air. They led Melanthius from the hall And through the porch, cut off his nose and ears, Wrenched out the parts of shame, a bloody meal For dogs, and in their anger from the trunk Lopped hands and feet. Then having duly washed Their feet and hands, they came into the hall, And to Ulysses; they had done their work. And then to the dear nurse Ulysses said:—
“Bring sulphur, dame, the cure of noxious air, And fire, that