Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/67

37 ODYSSEUS IN THE CAVE OF POLYPHEMUS 37

Art raving, and thy fierceness doth outgrow All bounds of reason. IIow then dost thou dream Others will seek thy place, who dost so ruthless seem ? "

He then received and drank and loudly cried Rejoicing ; " Give me, give me more, and tell 425

Thy name, that some good boon I may provide. True, the rich earth where the Cyclopes dwell. Fed by the rain of Zeus, in wine doth well, — But this is nectar, pure ambrosia's soul." So spake he. Thrice I gave the fatal spell ; 430

Thrice in his foolishness he quaffed the whole. Then said I, while his brain with the curling fumes did roll :

" Cyclops, thou askest me my name renoWned — Now will I make it known ; nor thou withhold That boon whereto thy solemn troth is bound — 435 Hear then ; My name is Noman. From of old My father, mother, these my comrades bold, Give me this title." So I spake, and he Answered at once with mind of ruthless mould : " This shall fit largess unto Noman be — 440

Last, after all thy peers, I promise to eat thee."

Therewith his head fell and he lay supine, Tamed by the stroke of all-subduing sleep ; And the vast neck heaved, while rejected wine And morsels of men's flesh in spasms did leap 44.5 Forth from his throat. Then did I rise, and deep In the live embers hid the pointed stake. Urging my comrades a good heart to keep. Soon the green olive-wood the fire did bake ; Then all aglow with sparkles I the red brand take. 450