Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/172

136 leaning upon my spear, since it was by no means possible to carry it on my shoulder with one hand, for it was a very large beast: and I threw it down before the ship; and I aroused my companions with mild words, standing near each man:

O my friends, we shall not yet go down to the house of Pluto, although grieving, before the fated day comes upon [us]. But come, whilst there is meat and drink in the swift ship, let us be mindful of food, nor be wasted with hunger.'

"Thus I spoke; and they quickly obeyed my words; and having uncovered the stag near the shore of the sea, they admired it; for it was a very large beast. But when they were delighted, beholding it with their eyes, having washed their hands they get ready a most glorious banquet. Thus then during the whole day, until the setting sun, we sat feasting upon abundance of flesh and sweet wine. But when the sun set and darkness came on, then we slept 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:

Hear my words, O companions, although suffering evil things. O my friends, since we know not where is the west, nor where the morning, nor where the sun that gives light to mortals descends beneath the earth, nor where he rises up again; yet let us quickly consider, if there is still any counsel remaining; but I do not think that there is. For, having ascended a rugged promontory, I beheld the island, around which the boundless sea forms a crown; but it lies low: and I saw smoke in the middle with mine eyes through the dense thickets and the wood.'

"Thus I spoke; but their dear heart was broken, when they remembered the deeds of the Læstrygonian Antiphates, and the violence of the strong-hearted cannibal Cyclops. And they wept piercingly, shedding the warm tear. But there was not any advantage to them wailing. And I numbered all my well-greaved companions into two parties, and I gave a chieftain to both. I commanded one party, and godlike Eurylochus the other. And we quickly shook lots in a brazen helmet, and the lot of magnanimous Eurylochus leaped out. And he hastened to go, and with him two and twenty companions weeping; and they left us mourning behind. And