Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/156

120 ships indeed followed me, and to each nine goats were allotted; and they selected ten for me alone. Thus, then, during the whole day, until the setting sun, we sat feasting on much flesh and sweet wine. For the ruby wine was not yet expended from the ships, but was in [them]: for each of us drew much in kegs, when we captured the sacred citadel of the Ciconians. And we looked to the land of the Cyclops, who were near, and [perceived] smoke, and their voice, and that of sheep and goats. But when the sun set and darkness came on, then at length we went to rest on the shore of the sea: but when the mother of dawn, rosy-fingered morning, appeared, then I, having made an assembly, spoke amongst all: 'Do ye others, my beloved companions, now remain, but I, with my own ship and my companions, will go, and make trial of these men who they are, whether they are insolent, and wild, nor just; or are hospitable, and their mind is godlike.' Thus having spoken, I embarked in my ship; and commanded my companions both to embark themselves, and to loose the halsers. But they immediately embarked, and sat down on the benches; and sitting in order, they smote the hoary sea with their oars. But when indeed we came to the country near at hand, there we beheld a cave on the extreme part [of the land], near the sea, lofty, covered with laurels; there much cattle, both sheep and goats, were sleeping; and around a lofty hall was built with stones dug out of the earth, and tall pines, and lofty-tressed oaks. There a monstrous man was sleeping, who was pasturing his cattle alone at a distance; nor did he herd with others, but being apart (by himself) he kenned lawless things. And truly he was a monstrous prodigy; nor was he like unto a man who feeds on bread, but unto the woody top of lofty mountains, when it appears alone [separated] from others. Then indeed I ordered my other beloved companions to remain there near the ship, and to draw up the ship; but I, having chosen twelve the best of my companions, went. And I had a goat's skin of black wine, pleasant, which Maron, son of Euanthes, priest of Apollo, who guarded Ismarus,