Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/53

23 ODYSSEUS IN THE CAVE OF POLYPHEMUS 23

Reigns, and all listening pause in deep delight, While in mid-feast the bard his song doth rear, What time the board with all good things is dight, And for each guest the herald fills the wine-cup bright.

Methinks that nothing can more lovely be ! lo

But thou my soul art turning to a tale Heavy with heartache even in menioiy. Ah ! which then first, if I uplift the veil. Which of my sorrows shall I last bewail ? — Woes in such number the celestials poured. 15

First I my name unfold that when from bale Resting hereafter, to my land restored, I, though far off, may greet your faces at my board.

I, then, Odysseus am, Laertes' son. For all wise policies a name of fear 20

To men ; my rumor to the skies hath gone. And sunward Ithaca my country dear I boast. Hill Neritus stands wa'ing there His green trees visible for many a mile. Centre of soils divine, which clustering near, 25

Stars of the blue sea, round about him smile, Dulichium, Same steep, Zacynthus' wood-crowned isle.

Thus lies the land high-tabled in the main Westward ; the others take the morning sun ; Rough, but a good nurse, and divine in grain 30

Her heroes. Never can I gaze upon Land to my mind so lovely as that one, Land not to be forgotten — aye, though me Calypso in her caves would fain have won. And Circe, deep-embowered within the sea, 35

Held me with artful wiles her own true love to be.