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34 34 HOMER

Who by the fear of gods hast me defied ! Vhat then is Zeus to the Cyclopian race, Matched with whose strength the blessed gods are

base ? Save that I choose to spare your heads, I trow Zeus will not much avail you in this case. 340

But tell me where your good ship ye bestow, At the land's end or near, that I the truth may know."

Thus spake he, urging trial of our state, Nor caught me, in experience manifold Well versed. With crafty words I answered straight : 345

" Mighty Poseidon, who the earth doth hold, Near the far limits which your land enfold, On the sharp rocks our vessel did impel. Thither a great wind from the deep us rolled. I with these comrades from the yawning hell 350 Of waters have alone escaped, the tale to tell."

He nought replied, but of my comrades twain Seized, and like dog-whelps on the cavern-floor Dashed them : the wet ground steamed with blood

and brain. Straight in his ravin limb from limb he tore 355

Tierce as a lion, and left nothing o'er ; Flesh, entrails, marrowy bones of men just killed. Gorging. To Zeus our hands, bemoaning sore. We raised in horror, while his maw he filled. And human meat devoured, and milk in rivers

swilled. 36o

After his meal he lay down with the sheep. I, at the first, was minded to go near