Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/63

33 ODYSSEUS IN THE CAVE OF POLYPHEMUS 33

" Strangers, who are ye ? from what strand un- known Sail ye the watery ways ? After some star Of purpose, or on random courses blown Range ye like pirates, whom no perils bar, 310

Who risk their own lives other men to mar ? " So made he question and our dear heart brake, Scared at the dread voice searching near and far, The rough rude accent, and the monstrous make. Natheless, though sore cast down, I thus responding spake : 315

" We sons of Argos, while from Troy we keep Straight homeward, driven by many storms astray, Over the wide abysses of the deep, Chance on another course, a different way. Haply such doom upon us Zeus doth lay. 320

Also of Agamemnon, Atreus' son, Soldiers we are, and his command obey Whose name rings loudest underneath the sun. City so vast he sacked, such people hath undone.

" So in our wanderings to thy knees we come 325 If thou the boon of hospitality Would'st furnish to our wants, or render some Of those sweet offices which none deny To strangers. Thou at least the gods on high Respect, most noble one ! for theirs are we, 330

Who now poor suppliants on thy help rely ; Chiefly revere our guardian Zeus, for he Avenger of all such is ever wont to be ! "

So did I speak : he ruthlessly replied :

" Ο fool, or new from some outlandish place, 335