Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/580

572 After me, enter at what chink I may, But to return—your diet, parsley, kail, Beet, radish, gourd, (for, as I understand, Ye eat no other) are not to my taste. Him then with smiles answer'd Physignathus. Stranger! thou vauntest much thy dainty fare, But, both on shore and in the lake, we boast Our dainties also, and such fights as much Would move thy wonder; for by gift from Jove We leap as well as swim, can range the land For food, or, diving, seek it in the Deep. Would'st thou the proof? 'tis easy-mount my back There cling as for thy life, and thou shalt share With rapture the delights of my abode. He said, and gave his back. Upsprang the mouse Lightly, and with his arms enfolded fast The Frog's soft neck. Pleas'd was he, at the first, With view of many a creek and bay, nor less With his smooth swimming on whose back he rode. But when, at length, the clear wave dash'd his sides, Then, fill'd with penitential sorrows vain He wept, pluck'd off his hair, and gath'ring close His hinder feet, survey'd with trembling heart The novel sight, and wish'd for land again. Groans follow'd next, extorted groans, through stress Of shiv'ring fear, and, with extended tail Drawn like a long oar after him, he pray'd For land again; but, while he pray'd, again