Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/59

29 ODYSSEUS IN THE CAVE OF POLYPHEMUS 29

Of ripple, landing from the waters hoar, Along the margin of the deep recline, And sound asleep wait dreaming for the Dawn divine.

But when the rosy-fingered Dawn came on, 190

Child of the mist, we wondering rose apace The beauteous island to explore anon. And lo ! the Nymphs inhabiting the place Stirred in our sight the creatures of the chase, That so my comrades might have food to eat. 195 Straight to the ships for bows and spears we race, And, parted in three bands, the thickets beat ; Soon did the god vouchsafe large spoil exceeding sweet.

3fe twelve ships followed, and for each we won Nine goats ; but for myself I chose out ten. 200

Thus all day long, till falling of the sun. We sat there feasting in the hollow glen ; Cheer'ly I ween the red wine circled then ; Since of the liquor there remained much more Sealed safely in the ships ; for when our men 205 Sacked the Ciconian citadel, good store Of wine in earthen vessels to our fleet they bore.

And on the land of the Cyclopes near

We looked, and saw their smoke, and heard their

hum. Also the bleatings of their flocks we hear, 210

Till the ambrosial Nisrht made all thinjis dumb. But when the rosy-fingered Dawn was come, I called my friends, and said : " Stay ye the rest, AVhile I go forward to explore with some. Mine own ship's crew, what folk this shore infest, 215 Despiteful, wild, unjust, or of a gentle breast."