Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/54

24 24 HOMER

Never could these the inward heart persuade, Never make sweet the cold unfaithfulness. More than all pleasures that were ever made Parents and fatherland our life still bless. 40

Though we rich home in a strange land possess, Still the old memories about us cling. Biat hear, while I the bitter woes express, Which, as from Troia I my comrades bring, Zeus, the Olympian Sire, around my life did fling. 45

Me winds to Ismarus from Ilion bear. To the Ciconians. I their town lay waste. And wives and wealth with my companions share. That none for me might sail away disgraced. Anon I urged them with quick feet to haste 50

Their flight, but they, infatuate fools, forbore — There the red wine they ever dreaming taste. While carcasses of sheep lie many a score, And trailing-footed beeves, slain, on the barren shore.

But all this while, on other works intent, 55

Loudly the Cicons to the Cicons call, IVho more and braver hold the continent. These both from horseback cope with heroes tall. Or foot to foot can make their foeman fall. Wrapt in the morning mist they loom in view, eo Thick as the leaves and flowers ambrosial. Children of Spring. Onward the dark fate drew. Big with the woes which Zeus had destined for our due.

Hard by the swift ships, each in ordered line. With steely spears the battle they darrayne.^ ea

While toward the zenith clomb the day divine. We, though much fewer, their assault sustain.

1 Darrayne, i. e. set in array.