Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/174

138 quiring of him, then he related the destruction of his other companions.

We went, as thou didst command, through the thickets, illustrious Ulysses; we found in the dells a beautiful house built [with polished stones, in a conspicuous place]. And there some one, either goddess or woman, going over the great web, sang piercingly: but they calling shouted out: and she immediately coming out, opened the shining doors, and invited them; and they all followed together through their ignorance; but I remained, thinking that it was some deceit. And they all vanished together, nor did any one of them appear without; but sitting down I watched a long time.'

"Thus he spoke; but I girt my silver-hilted sword around my shoulders, large, of brass; and my bow around me. And I immediately commanded him to lead the same way. But he laying hold of my knees with both his hands entreated me, [and lamenting addressed to me winged words]:

Do not take me there against my will, O thou nourished of Jove, but leave me here. For I know that neither thou thyself wilt come back, nor wilt thou bring any other of thy companions: but let us quickly fly with these; for yet we may escape the evil day.'

"Thus he spoke; but I answering addressed him: 'O Eurylochus, do thou then remain here in this place eating and drinking near the hollow black ship: but I will go, for strong necessity comes upon me.'

"Thus having spoken, I went up from the ship and the sea. But when I was just going near the sacred dells, about to reach the great dwelling of Circe skilled in many drugs, there golden-wanded Mercury met me as I was coming to the house, like unto a young man having the first down on his cheek, whose youth is most graceful; and he laid hold of my hand, and spoke and addressed me:

Where thus, wretched one, art thou going alone, to no purpose, through the wolds, being unacquainted with the place? but those thy companions are shut up in Circe's house, like swine possessing many hiding-places. Whether dost thou come hither to loose them? I do not think that thou wilt thyself return, but thou wilt remain there where the others do.