Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/69

39 ODYSSEUS IN THE CAVE OF POLYPHEMUS 39

" Never by strength, my friends, or courage brave ! 4βο Noman by treachery doth me subdue." AVhereto his fellows winged words renew : " Good sooth ! if no man work thee injury, But in thy lone resort this sickness grew, The hand of Zeus is not to be put by — 485

Go, then, in filial prayer to king Poseidon ^ cry."

So they retiring ; and I laughed in heart, To find the shrewd illusion working well. But the dread Cyclops over every part Groped eyeless with wild hands, in anguish fell, 490 Rolled back the massive mouthstone from the cell, And in the door sat waving everywhere His sightless arms, to capture or repel Any forth venturing with his flocks to fare — Dreaming to deal with one of all good prudence bare.

Seeking deliverance 'mid these dangers rife, 496

So deadly-near the mighty evil pressed, All thoughts I weave as one that weaves for life. All kinds of scheming in my spirit test ; And this of various counsels seemed the best. soo Fat rams there were, with goodly fleeces dight Of violet-tinted wool. These breast to breast I silent link with osiers twisted tight, Whereon the ill-minded Cyclops used to sleep at night.

By threes I linked them, and each middle one sos Carried a man : one walked on either side : Such was our plan the monster's rage to shun ; And thus three rams for each man we provide. But I, choosing a beast than all beside


 * Polyphemus was the son of Poseidon and a nymph.