Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/168

132 "For nine days however we sailed both nights and day; but on the tenth our paternal fields now appeared, and we at length beheld those who were kindling fires, being near at hand. Then sweet sleep came upon me wearied; for I always guided the rudder of the ship; nor did I give it up to any other of my companions, that we might more quickly reach our paternal land. But my companions spoke to one another with words, and said that I was taking gold and silver home, presents from magnanimous Æolus, son of Hippotas. And thus some one would speak, looking to another who was near:

O gods, how beloved is he, and how honoured by all men, to whosever city and land he comes. He brings much beautiful property in booty from Troy, but we, having accomplished the same journey, are returning home, having empty hands. And now Æolus, gratifying him on account of his friendship, has given him these things: but come, let us quickly see what these things are, how much gold and silver is in the skin.'

"Thus they spoke; and the evil counsel of my companions prevailed, they loosed the skin, and all the winds rushed out. The storm immediately snatching them bore them mourning into the sea, from their paternal land: but I waking, meditated in my blameless mind, whether, falling from the ship, I should perish in the sea, or should endure it in silence, and still be amongst the living. But I endured it, and remained; and I lay, having covered myself in the ship: but they were again borne by the evil tempest of the wind to the Æolian island: and my companions mourned. There we went on shore, and drew water; and my companions immediately took supper near the swift ships. But when we had tasted of both meat and drink, then I, having chosen both a herald and companion, went to the illustrious house of Æolus; but him I found feasting near his wife and his children. But when we came