‘Then we came to the isle Aeolian, where dwelt Aeolus, son of Hippotas, dear too the deathless gods, in a floating island, and all about it is a wall of bronze unbroken, and the cliff runs up sheer from the sea. His twelve children to abide3 there in his halls, six daughters and six lusty sons; and, behold4, he gave his daughters to his sons to wife. And they feast evermore by their dear father and their kind mother, and dainties innumerable lie ready to their hands. And the house is full of the savour of feasting, and the noise thereof rings round, yea in the courtyard, by day, and in the night they sleep each one by his chaste6 wife in coverlets and on jointed7 bedsteads. So then we came to their city and their goodly dwelling8, and the king entreated9 me kindly11 for a whole month, and sought out each thing, Ilios and the ships of the Argives, and the return of the Achaeans. So I told him all the tale in order duly. But when I in turn took the word and asked of my journey, and bade him send me on my way, he too denied me not, but furnished an escort. He gave me a wallet, made of the hide of an ox of nine seasons old, which he let flay12, and therein he bound the ways of all the noisy winds; for him the son of Cronos made keeper of the winds, either to lull13 or to rouse what blasts he will. And he made it fast in the hold of the ship with a shining silver thong14, that not the faintest breath might escape. Then he sent forth15 the blast of the West Wind to blow for me, to bear our ships and ourselves upon our way; but this he was never to bring to pass, for we were undone16 through our own heedlessness.
‘For nine whole days we sailed by night and day continually, and now on the tenth day my native land came in sight, and already we were so near that we beheld17 the folk tending the beacon19 fires. Then over me there came sweet slumber20 in my weariness, for all the time I was holding the sheet, nor gave it to any of my company, that so we might come quicker to our own country. Meanwhile my company held converse21 together, and said that I was bringing home for myself gold and silver, gifts from Aeolus the high-hearted son of Hippotas. And thus would they speak looking each man to his neighbour:
‘“Lo now, how beloved he is and highly esteemed22 among all men, to the city and land of whomsoever he may come. Many are the goodly treasures he taketh with him out of the spoil from Troy, while we who have fulfilled like journeying with him return homeward bringing with us but empty hands. And now Aeolus hath given unto him these things freely in his love. Nay23 come, let us quickly see what they are, even what wealth of gold and silver is in the wallet.”
‘So they spake, and the evil counsel of my company prevailed. They loosed the wallet, and all the winds brake forth. And the violent blast seized my men, and bare them towards the high seas weeping, away from their own country; but as for me, I awoke and communed with my great heart, whether I should cast myself from the ship and perish in the deep, or endure in silence and abide yet among the living. Howbeit I hardened my heart to endure, and muffling24 my head I lay still in the ship. But the vessels25 were driven by the evil storm-wind back to the isle Aeolian, and my company made moan.
‘There we stepped ashore27 and drew water, and my company presently took their midday meal by the swift ships. Now when we had tasted bread and wine, I took with me a herald28 and one of my company, and went to the famous dwelling of Aeolus: and I found him feasting with his wife and children. So we went in and sat by the pillars of the door on the threshold, and they all marvelled29 and asked us:
‘“How hast thou come hither, Odysseus? What evil god assailed31 thee? Surely we sent thee on thy way with all diligence, that thou mightest get thee to thine own country and thy home, and whithersoever thou wouldest.”
‘Even so they said, but I spake among them heavy at heart: “My evil company hath been my bane, and sleep thereto remorseless. Come, my friends, do ye heal the harm, for yours is the power.”
‘So I spake, beseeching32 them in soft words, but they held their peace. And the father answered, saying: “Get thee forth from the island straightway, thou that art the most reprobate33 of living men. Far be it from me to help or to further that man whom the blessed gods abhor34! Get thee forth, for lo, thy coming marks thee hated by the deathless gods.”
‘Therewith he sent me forth from the house making heavy moan. Thence we sailed onwards stricken at heart. And the spirit of the men was spent beneath the grievous rowing by reason of our vain endeavour, for there was no more any sign of a wafting36 wind. So for the space of six days we sailed by night and day continually, and on the seventh we came to the steep stronghold of Lamos, Telepylos of the Laestrygons, where herdsman hails herdsman as he drives in his flock, and the other who drives forth answers the call. There might a sleepless37 man have earned a double wage, the one as neat-herd, the other shepherding white flocks: so near are the outgoings of the night and of the day. Thither38 when he had come to the fair haven39, whereabout on both sides goes one steep cliff unbroken and jutting40 headlands over against each other stretch forth at the mouth of the harbour, and strait is the entrance; thereinto all the others steered41 their curved ships. Now the vessels were bound within the hollow harbour each hard by other, for no wave ever swelled42 within it, great or small, but there was a bright calm all around. But I alone moored43 my dark ship without the harbour, at the uttermost point thereof, and made fast the hawser44 to a rock. And I went up a craggy hill, a place of out-look, and stood thereon: thence there was no sign of the labour of men or oxen, only we saw the smoke curling upward from the land. Then I sent forth certain of my company to go and search out what manner of men they were who here live upon the earth by bread, choosing out two of my company and sending a third with them as herald. Now when they had gone ashore, they went along a level road whereby wains were wont45 to draw down wood from the high hills to the town. And without the town they fell in with a damsel drawing water, the noble daughter of Laestrygonian Antiphates. She had come down to the clear-flowing spring Artacia, for thence it was custom to draw water to the town. So they stood by her and spake unto her, and asked who was king of that land, and who they were he ruled over. Then at once she showed them the high-roofed hall of her father. Now when they had entered the renowned46 house, they found his wife therein: she was huge of bulk as a mountain peak and was loathly in their sight. Straightway she called the renowned Antiphates, her lord, from the assembly-place, and he contrived47 a pitiful destruction for my men. Forthwith he clutched up one of my company and made ready his midday meal, but the other twain sprang up and came in flight to the ships. Then he raised the war cry through the town, and the valiant48 Laestrygons at the sound thereof, flocked together from every side, a host past number, not like men but like the Giants. They cast at us from the cliffs with great rocks, each of them a man’s burden, and anon there arose from the fleet an evil din18 of men dying and ships shattered withal. And like folk spearing fishes they bare home their hideous49 meal. While as yet they were slaying51 my friends within the deep harbour, I drew my sharp sword from my thigh52, and with it cut the hawsers53 of my dark-prowed ship. Quickly then I called to my company, and bade them dash in with the oars54, that we might clean escape this evil plight55. And all with one accord they tossed the sea water with the oar-blade, in dread56 of death, and to my delight my barque flew forth to the high seas away from the beetling57 rocks, but those other ships were lost there, one and all.
‘Thence we sailed onward35 stricken at heart, yet glad as men saved from death, albeit58 we had lost our dear companions. And we came to the isle Aeaean, where dwelt Circe of the braided tresses, an awful goddess of mortal speech, own sister to the wizard Aeetes. Both were begotten59 of Helios, who gives light to all men, and their mother was Perse, daughter of Oceanus. There on the shore we put in with our ship into the sheltering haven silently, and some god was our guide. Then we stept ashore, and for two days and two nights lay there, consuming our own hearts for weariness and pain. But when now the fair-tressed Dawn had brought the full light of the third day, then did I seize my spear and my sharp sword, and quickly departing from the ship I went up unto a place of wide prospect60, if haply I might see any sign of the labour of men and hear the sound of their speech. So I went up a craggy hill, a place of out-look, and I saw the smoke rising from the broad-wayed earth in the halls of Circe, through the thick coppice and the woodland. Then I mused61 in my mind and heart whether I should go and make discovery, for that I had seen the smoke and flame. And as I thought thereon this seemed to me the better counsel, to go first to the swift ship and to the sea-banks, and give my company their midday meal, and then send them to make search. But as I came and drew nigh to the curved ship, some god even then took pity on me in my loneliness, and sent a tall antlered stag across my very path. He was coming down from his pasture in the woodland to the river to drink, for verily the might of the sun was sore upon him. And as he came up from out of the stream, I smote62 him on the spine63 in the middle of the back, and the brazen64 shaft65 went clean through him, and with a moan he fell in the dust, and his life passed from him. Then I set my foot on him and drew forth the brazen shaft from the wound, and laid it hard by upon the ground and let it lie. Next I broke withies and willow66 twigs67, and wove me a rope a fathom68 in length, well twisted from end to end, and bound together the feet of the huge beast, and went to the black ship bearing him across my neck, and leaning on a spear, for it was in no wise possible to carry him on my shoulder with the one hand, for he was a mighty69 quarry70. And I threw him down before the ship and roused my company with soft words, standing71 by each man in turn:
‘“Friends, for all our sorrows we shall not yet a while go down to the house of Hades, ere the coming of the day of destiny; go to then, while as yet there is meat and drink in the swift ship, let us take thought thereof, that we be not famished72 for hunger.”
‘Even so I spake, and they speedily hearkened to my words. They unmuffled their heads, and there on the shore of the unharvested sea gazed at the stag, for he was a mighty quarry. But after they had delighted their eyes with the sight of him, they washed their hands and got ready the glorious feast. So for that time we sat the livelong day till the going down of the sun, feasting on abundant flesh and sweet wine. But when the sun sank and darkness had come on, then we laid us to rest upon the sea beach. So soon as early Dawn shone forth, the rosy-fingered, I called a gathering73 of my men and spake in the ears of them all:
‘“Hear my works, my fellows, despite your evil case. My friends, lo, now we know not where is the place of darkness or of dawning, nor where the Sun, that gives light to men, goes beneath the earth, nor where he rises; therefore let us advise us speedily if any counsel yet may be: as for me, I deem there is none. For I went up a craggy hill, a place of out-look, and saw the island crowned about with the circle of the endless sea, the isle itself lying low; and in the midst thereof mine eyes beheld the smoke through the thick coppice and the woodland.”
‘Even so I spake, but their spirit within them was broken, as they remembered the deeds of Antiphates the Laestrygonian, and all the evil violence of the haughty74 Cyclops, the man-eater. So they wept aloud shedding big tears. Howbeit no avail came of their weeping.
‘Then I numbered my goodly-greaved company in two bands, and appointed a leader for each, and I myself took the command of the one part, and godlike Eurylochus of the other. And anon we shook the lots in a brazen-fitted helmet, and out leapt the lot of proud Eurylochus. So he went on his way, and with him two and twenty of my fellowship all weeping; and we were left behind making lament75. In the forest glades76 they found the halls of Circe builded, of polished stone, in a place with wide prospect. And all around the palace mountain-bred wolves and lions were roaming, whom she herself had bewitched with evil drugs that she gave them. Yet the beasts did not set on my men, but lo, they ramped78 about them and fawned79 on them, wagging their long tails. And as when dogs fawn80 about their lord when he comes from the feast, for he always brings them the fragments that soothe81 their mood, even so the strong-clawed wolves and the lions fawned around them; but they were affrighted when they saw the strange and terrible creatures. So they stood at the outer gate of the fair-tressed goddess, and within they heard Circe singing in a sweet voice, as she fared to and fro before the great web imperishable, such as is the handiwork of goddesses, fine of woof and full of grace and splendour. Then Polites, a leader of men, the dearest to me and the trustiest of all my company, first spake to them:
‘“Friends, forasmuch as there is one within that fares to and fro before a mighty web singing a sweet song, so that all the floor of the hall makes echo, a goddess she is or a woman; come quickly and cry aloud to her.”
‘He spake the word and they cried aloud and called to her. And straightway she came forth and opened the shining doors and bade them in, and all went with her in their heedlessness. But Eurylochus tarried behind, for he guessed that there was some treason. So she led them in and set them upon chairs and high seats, and made them a mess of cheese and barley-meal and yellow honey with Pramnian wine, and mixed harmful drugs with the food to make them utterly82 forget their own country. Now when she had given them the cup and they had drunk it off, presently she smote them with a wand, and in the styes of the swine she penned them. So they had the head and voice, the bristles83 and the shape of swine, but their mind abode84 even as of old. Thus were they penned there weeping, and Circe flung them acorns85 and mast and fruit of the cornel tree to eat, whereon wallowing swine do always batten.
‘Now Eurylochus came back to the swift black ship to bring tidings of his fellows, and of their unseemly doom86. Not a word could he utter, for all his desire, so deeply smitten87 was he to the heart with grief, and his eyes were filled with tears and his soul was fain of lamentation88. But when we all had pressed him with our questions in amazement89, even then he told the fate of the remnant of our company.
‘“We went, as thou didst command, through the coppice, noble Odysseus: we found within the forest glades the fair halls, builded of polished stone, in a place with wide prospect. And there was one that fared before a mighty web and sang a clear song, a goddess she was or a woman, and they cried aloud and called to her. And straightway she came forth, and opened the shining doors and bade them in, and they all went with her in their heedlessness. But I tarried behind, for I guessed that there was some treason. Then they vanished away one and all, nor did any of them appear again, though I sat long time watching.”
‘So spake he, whereon I cast about my shoulder my silver-studded sword, a great blade of bronze, and slung90 my bow about me and bade him lead me again by the way that he came. But he caught me with both hands, and by my knees he besought91 me, and bewailing him spake to me winged words:
‘“Lead me not thither against my will, oh fosterling of Zeus, but leave me here! For well I know thou shalt thyself return no more, nor bring any one of all thy fellowship; nay, let us flee the swifter with those that be here, for even yet may we escape the evil day.”
‘On this wise he spake, but I answered him, saying: “Eurylochus, abide for thy part here in this place, eating and drinking by the black hollow ship: but I will go forth, for a strong constraint92 is laid on me.”
‘With that I went up from the ship and the sea-shore. But lo, when in my faring through the sacred glades I was now drawing near to the great hall of the enchantress Circe, then did Hermes, of the golden wand, meet me as I approached the house, in the likeness94 of a young man with the first down on his lip, the time when youth is most gracious. So he clasped my hand and spake and hailed me:
‘“Ah, hapless man, whither away again, all alone through the wolds, thou that knowest not this country? And thy company yonder in the hall of Circe are penned in the guise95 of swine, in their deep lairs96 abiding97. Is it in hope to free them that thou art come hither? Nay, methinks, thou thyself shalt never return but remain there with the others. Come then, I will redeem98 thee from thy distress99, and bring deliverance. Lo, take this herb of virtue100, and go to the dwelling of Circe, that it may keep from thy head the evil day. And I will tell thee all the magic sleight101 of Circe. She will mix thee a potion and cast drugs into the mess; but not even so shall she be able to enchant93 thee; so helpful is this charmed herb that I shall give thee, and I will tell thee all. When it shall be that Circe smites102 thee with her long wand, even then draw thou thy sharp sword from thy thigh, and spring on her, as one eager to slay50 her. And she will shrink away and be instant with thee to lie with her. Thenceforth disdain104 not thou the bed of the goddess, that she may deliver thy company and kindly entertain thee. But command her to swear a mighty oath by the blessed gods, that she will plan nought105 else of mischief106 to thine own hurt, lest she make thee a dastard107 and unmanned, when she hath thee naked.”
‘Therewith the slayer108 of Argos gave me the plant that he had plucked from the ground, and he showed me the growth thereof. It was black at the root, but the flower was like to milk. Moly the gods call it, but it is hard for mortal men to dig; howbeit with the gods all things are possible.
‘Then Hermes departed toward high Olympus, up through the woodland isle, but as for me I held on my way to the house of Circe, and my heart was darkly troubled as I went. So I halted in the portals of the fair-tressed goddess; there I stood and called aloud and the goddess heard my voice, who presently came forth and opened the shining doors and bade me in, and I went with her heavy at heart. So she led me in and set me on a chair with studs of silver, a goodly carven chair, and beneath was a footstool for the feet. And she made me a potion in a golden cup, that I might drink, and she also put a charm therein, in the evil counsel of her heart.
‘Now when she had given it and I had drunk it off and was not bewitched, she smote me with her wand and spake and hailed me:
‘“Go thy way now to the stye, couch thee there with the rest of thy company.”
‘So spake she, but I drew my sharp sword from my thigh and sprang upon Circe, as one eager to slay her. But with a great cry she slipped under, and clasped my knees, and bewailing herself spake to me winged words:
‘“Who art thou of the sons of men, and whence? Where is thy city? Where are they that begat thee? I marvel30 to see how thou hast drunk of this charm, and wast nowise subdued109. Nay, for there lives no man else that is proof against this charm, whoso hath drunk thereof, and once it hath passed his lips. But thou hast, methinks, a mind within thee that may not be enchanted110. Verily thou art Odysseus, ready at need, whom he of the golden wand, the slayer of Argos, full often told me was to come hither, on his way from Troy with his swift black ship. Nay come, put thy sword into the sheath, and thereafter let us go up into my bed, that meeting in love and sleep we may trust each the other.”
‘So spake she, but I answered her, saying: “Nay, Circe, how canst thou bid me be gentle to thee, who hast turned my company into swine within thy halls, and holding me here with a guileful111 heart requirest me to pass within thy chamber113 and go up into thy bed, that so thou mayest make me a dastard and unmanned when thou hast me naked? Nay, never will I consent to go up into thy bed, except thou wilt114 deign115, goddess, to swear a mighty oath, that thou wilt plan nought else of mischief to mine own hurt.”
‘So I spake, and she straightway swore the oath not to harm me, as I bade her. But when she had sworn and had done that oath, then at last I went up into the beautiful bed of Circe.
‘Now all this while her handmaids busied them in the halls, four maidens116 that are her serving women in the house. They are born of the wells and of the woods and of the holy rivers, that flow forward into the salt sea. Of these one cast upon the chairs goodly coverlets of purple above, and spread a linen117 cloth thereunder. And lo, another drew up silver tables to the chairs, and thereon set for them golden baskets. And a third mixed sweet honey-hearted wine in a silver bowl, and set out cups of gold. And a fourth bare water, and kindled118 a great fire beneath the mighty cauldron. So the water waxed warm; but when it boiled in the bright brazen vessel26, she set me in a bath and bathed me with water from out a great cauldron, pouring it over head and shoulders, when she had mixed it to a pleasant warmth, till from my limbs she took away the consuming weariness. Now after she had bathed me and anointed me well with olive oil, and cast about me a fair mantle119 and a doublet, she led me into the halls and set me on a chair with studs of silver, a goodly carven chair, and beneath was a footstool for the feet. And a handmaid bare water for the hands in a goodly golden ewer120, and poured it forth over a silver basin to wash withal; and to my side she drew a polished table, and a grave dame121 bare wheaten bread and set it by me, and laid on the board many dainties, giving freely of such things as she had by her. And she bade me eat, but my soul found no pleasure therein. I sat with other thoughts, and my heart had a boding122 of ill.
‘Now when Circe saw that I sat thus, and that I put not forth my hands to the meat, and that I was mightily123 afflicted124, she drew near to me and spake to me winged words:
‘“Wherefore thus, Odysseus, dost thou sit there like a speechless man, consuming thine own soul, and dost not touch meat nor drink? Dost thou indeed deem there is some further guile112? Nay, thou hast no cause to fear, for already I have sworn thee a strong oath not to harm thee.”
‘So spake she, but I answered her, saying: “Oh, Circe, what righteous man would have the heart to taste meat and drink ere he had redeemed125 his company, and beheld them face to face? But if in good faith thou biddest me eat and drink, then let them go free, that mine eyes may behold my dear companions.”
‘So I spake, and Circe passed out through the hall with the wand in her hand, and opened the doors of the stye, and drave them forth in the shape of swine of nine seasons old. There they stood before her, and she went through their midst, and anointed each one of them with another charm. And lo, from their limbs the bristles dropped away, wherewith the venom126 had erewhile clothed them, that lady Circe gave them. And they became men again, younger than before they were, and goodlier far, and taller to behold. And they all knew me again and each one took my hands, and wistful was the lament that sank into their souls, and the roof around rang wondrously127. And even the goddess herself was moved with compassion128.
‘Then standing nigh me the fair goddess spake unto me: “Son of Laertes, of the seed of Zeus, Odysseus of many devices, depart now to thy swift ship and the sea-banks. And first of all, draw ye up the ship ashore, and bestow129 the goods in the caves and all the gear. And thyself return again, and bring with thee thy dear companions.”
‘So spake she, and my lordly spirit consented thereto. So I went on my way to the swift ship and the sea-banks, and there I found my dear company on the swift ship lamenting130 piteously, shedding big tears. And as when calves131 of the homestead gather round the droves of kine that have returned to the yard, when they have had their fill of pasture, and all with one accord frisk before them, and the folds may no more contain them, but with a ceaseless lowing they skip about their dams, so flocked they all about me weeping, when their eyes beheld me. Yea, and to their spirit it was as though they had got to their dear country, and the very city of rugged132 Ithaca, where they were born and reared.
‘Then making lament they spake to me winged words: “O fosterling of Zeus, we were none otherwise glad at thy returning, than if we had come to Ithaca, our own country. Nay come, of our other companions tell us the tale of their ruin.”
‘So spake they, but I answered them with soft words: “Behold, let us first of all draw up the ship ashore, and bestow our goods in the caves and all our gear. And do ye bestir you, one and all, to go with me, that ye may see your fellows in the sacred dwelling of Circe, eating and drinking, for they have continual store.”
‘So spake I, and at once they hearkened to my words, but Eurylochus alone would have holden all my companions, and uttering his voice he spake to them winged words:
‘“Wretched men that we are! whither are we going? Why are your hearts so set on sorrow that ye should go down to the hall of Circe, who will surely change us all to swine, or wolves, or lions, to guard her great house perforce, according to the deeds that the Cyclops wrought133, when certain of our company went to his inmost fold, and with them went Odysseus, ever hardy134, for through the blindness of his heart did they too perish?”
‘So spake he, but I mused in my heart whether to draw my long hanger135 from my stout136 thigh, and therewith smite103 off his head and bring it to the dust, albeit he was very near of kin5 to me; but the men of my company stayed me on every side with soothing137 words:
‘“Prince of the seed of Zeus, as for this man, we will suffer him, if thou wilt have it so, to abide here by the ship and guard the ship; but as for us, be our guide to the sacred house of Circe.”
‘So they spake and went up from the ship and the sea. Nay, nor yet was Eurylochus left by the hollow ship, but he went with us, for he feared my terrible rebuke138.
‘Meanwhile Circe bathed the rest of my company in her halls with all care, and anointed them well with olive oil; and cast thick mantles139 and doublets about them. And we found them all feasting nobly in the halls. And when they saw and knew each other face to face, they wept and mourned, and the house rang around. Then she stood near me, that fair goddess, and spake saying:
‘“Son of Laertes, of the seed of Zeus, Odysseus of many devices, no more now wake this plenteous weeping: myself I know of all the pains ye endured upon the teeming140 deep, and the great despite done you by unkindly men upon the land. Nay come, eat ye meat and drink wine, till your spirit shall return to you again, as it was when first ye left your own country of rugged Ithaca; but now are ye wasted and wanting heart, mindful evermore of your sore wandering, nor has your heart ever been merry, for very grievous hath been your trial.”
‘So spake she, and our lordly spirit consented thereto. So there we sat day by day for the full circle of a year, feasting on abundant flesh and sweet wine. But when now a year had gone, and the seasons returned as the months waned141, and the long days came in their course, then did my dear company call me forth, and say:
‘“Good sir, now is it high time to mind thee of thy native land, if it is ordained142 that thou shalt be saved, and come to thy lofty house and thine own country.”
‘So spake they and my lordly spirit consented thereto. So for that time we sat the livelong day till the going down of the sun, feasting on abundant flesh and sweet wine. But when the sun sank and darkness came on, they laid them to rest throughout the shadowy halls.
‘But when I had gone up into the fair bed of Circe, I besought her by her knees, and the goddess heard my speech, and uttering my voice I spake to her winged words: “Circe, fulfil for me the promise which thou madest me to send me on my homeward way. Now is my spirit eager to be gone, and the spirit of my company, that wear away my heart as they mourn around me, when haply thou art gone from us.”
‘So spake I, and the fair goddess answered me anon: “Son of Laertes, of the seed of Zeus, Odysseus of many devices, tarry ye now no longer in my house against your will; but first must ye perform another journey, and reach the dwelling of Hades and of dread Persephone to seek to the spirit of Theban Teiresias, the blind soothsayer, whose wits abide steadfast143. To him Persephone hath given judgment144, even in death, that he alone should have understanding; but the other souls sweep shadow-like around.”
‘Thus spake she, but as for me, my heart was broken, and I wept as I sat upon the bed, and my soul had no more care to live and to see the sunlight. But when I had my fill of weeping and grovelling145, then at the last I answered and spake unto her saying: “And who, Circe, will guide us on this way? for no man ever yet sailed to hell in a black ship.”
‘So spake I, and the fair goddess answered me anon: “Son of Laertes, of the seed of Zeus, Odysseus of many devices, nay, trouble not thyself for want of a guide, by thy ship abiding, but set up the mast and spread abroad the white sails and sit thee down; and the breeze of the North Wind will bear thy vessel on her way. But when thou hast now sailed in thy ship across the stream Oceanus, where is a waste shore and the groves146 of Persephone, even tall poplar trees and willows147 that shed their fruit before the season, there beach thy ship by deep eddying148 Oceanus, but go thyself to the dank house of Hades. Thereby149 into Acheron flows Pyriphlegethon, and Cocytus, a branch of the water of the Styx, and there is a rock, and the meeting of the two roaring waters. So, hero, draw nigh thereto, as I command thee, and dig a trench150 as it were a cubit in length and breadth, and about it pour a drink-offering to all the dead, first with mead151 and thereafter with sweet wine, and for the third time with water, and sprinkle white meal thereon; and entreat10 with many prayers the strengthless heads of the dead, and promise that on thy return to Ithaca thou wilt offer in thy halls a barren heifer, the best thou hast, and will fill the pyre with treasure, and wilt sacrifice apart, to Teiresias alone, a black ram77 without spot, the fairest of your flock. But when thou hast with prayers made supplication152 to the lordly races of the dead, then offer up a ram and a black ewe, bending their heads towards Erebus and thyself turn thy back, with thy face set for the shore of the river. Then will many spirits come to thee of the dead that be departed. Thereafter thou shalt call to thy company and command them to flay the sheep which even now lie slain153 by the pitiless sword, and to consume them with fire, and to make prayer to the gods, to mighty Hades and to dread Persephone. And thyself draw the sharp sword from thy thigh and sit there, suffering not the strengthless heads of the dead to draw nigh to the blood, ere thou hast word of Teiresias. Then the seer will come to thee quickly, leader of the people; he will surely declare to thee the way and the measure of thy path, and as touching154 thy returning, how thou mayst go over the teeming deep.”
‘So spake she, and anon came the golden throned Dawn. Then she put on me a mantle and a doublet for raiment, and the nymph clad herself in a great shining robe, light of woof and gracious, and about her waist she cast a fair golden girdle, and put a veil upon her head. But I passed through the halls and roused my men with smooth words, standing by each one in turn:
‘“Sleep ye now no more nor breathe sweet slumber; but let us go on our way, for surely she hath shown me all, the lady Circe.”
‘So spake I, and their lordly soul consented thereto. Yet even thence I led not my company safe away. There was one, Elpenor, the youngest of us all, not very valiant in war neither steadfast in mind. He was lying apart from the rest of my men on the housetop of Circe’s sacred dwelling, very fain of the cool air, as one heavy with wine. Now when he heard the noise of the voices and of the feet of my fellows as they moved to and fro, he leaped up of a sudden and minded him not to descend155 again by the way of the tall ladder, but fell right down from the roof, and his neck was broken from the bones of the spine, and his spirit went down to the house of Hades.
‘Then I spake among my men as they went on their way, saying: “Ye deem now, I see, that ye are going to your own dear country; but Circe hath showed us another way, even to the dwelling of Hades and of dread Persephone, to seek to the spirit of Theban Teiresias.”
‘Even so I spake, but their heart within them was broken, and they sat them down even where they were, and made lament and tore their hair. Howbeit no help came of their weeping.
‘But as we were now wending sorrowful to the swift ship and the sea-banks, shedding big tears, Circe meanwhile had gone her ways and made fast a ram and a black ewe by the dark ship, lightly passing us by: who may behold a god against his will, whether going to or fro?’
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收听单词发音
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1
untying
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| untie的现在分词 | |
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isle
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| n.小岛，岛 | |
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abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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chaste
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| adj.贞洁的；有道德的；善良的；简朴的 | |
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jointed
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| 有接缝的 | |
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dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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flay
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| vt.剥皮；痛骂 | |
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lull
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| v.使安静，使入睡，缓和，哄骗；n.暂停，间歇 | |
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thong
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| n.皮带；皮鞭；v.装皮带 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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undone
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| a.未做完的，未完成的 | |
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beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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din
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| n.喧闹声，嘈杂声 | |
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beacon
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| n.烽火，（警告用的）闪火灯，灯塔 | |
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slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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muffling
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| v.压抑，捂住( muffle的现在分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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herald
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| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
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marvelled
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| v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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beseeching
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| adj.恳求似的v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的现在分词 ) | |
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reprobate
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| n.无赖汉；堕落的人 | |
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abhor
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| v.憎恶；痛恨 | |
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onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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wafting
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| v.吹送，飘送，（使）浮动( waft的现在分词 ) | |
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sleepless
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| adj.不睡眠的，睡不著的，不休息的 | |
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thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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jutting
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| v.（使）突出( jut的现在分词 )；伸出；（从…）突出；高出 | |
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41
steered
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| v.驾驶( steer的过去式和过去分词 )；操纵；控制；引导 | |
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42
swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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43
moored
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| adj. 系泊的 动词moor的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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hawser
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| n.大缆；大索 | |
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wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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hideous
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| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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50
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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51
slaying
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| 杀戮。 | |
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52
thigh
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| n.大腿；股骨 | |
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53
hawsers
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| n.（供系船或下锚用的）缆索，锚链( hawser的名词复数 ) | |
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54
oars
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| n.桨，橹( oar的名词复数 )；划手v.划（行）( oar的第三人称单数 ) | |
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55
plight
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| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
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56
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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57
beetling
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| adj.突出的，悬垂的v.快速移动( beetle的现在分词 ) | |
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58
albeit
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| conj.即使；纵使；虽然 | |
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59
begotten
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| v.为…之生父( beget的过去分词 )；产生，引起 | |
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60
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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61
mused
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的过去式和过去分词 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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62
smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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63
spine
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| n.脊柱，脊椎；(动植物的)刺；书脊 | |
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brazen
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| adj.厚脸皮的，无耻的，坚硬的 | |
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shaft
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| n.(工具的)柄，杆状物 | |
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66
willow
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| n.柳树 | |
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twigs
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| 细枝，嫩枝( twig的名词复数 ) | |
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fathom
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| v.领悟，彻底了解 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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70
quarry
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| n.采石场；v.采石；费力地找 | |
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71
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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famished
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| adj.饥饿的 | |
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gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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75
lament
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| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
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glades
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| n.林中空地( glade的名词复数 ) | |
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ram
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| (random access memory)随机存取存储器 | |
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ramped
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| 土堤斜坡( ramp的过去式和过去分词 )； 斜道； 斜路； （装车或上下飞机的）活动梯 | |
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79
fawned
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| v.（尤指狗等）跳过来往人身上蹭以示亲热( fawn的过去式和过去分词 )；巴结；讨好 | |
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80
fawn
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| n.未满周岁的小鹿；v.巴结，奉承 | |
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81
soothe
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| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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82
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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83
bristles
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| 短而硬的毛发，刷子毛( bristle的名词复数 ) | |
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84
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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acorns
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| n.橡子，栎实( acorn的名词复数 ) | |
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86
doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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87
smitten
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| 猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
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88
lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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90
slung
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| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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91
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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92
constraint
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| n.(on)约束，限制；限制(或约束)性的事物 | |
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enchant
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| vt.使陶醉，使入迷；使着魔，用妖术迷惑 | |
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94
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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96
lairs
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| n.（野兽的）巢穴，窝( lair的名词复数 )；（人的）藏身处 | |
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97
abiding
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| adj.永久的，持久的，不变的 | |
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98
redeem
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| v.买回，赎回，挽回，恢复，履行（诺言等） | |
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99
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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100
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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101
sleight
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| n.技巧，花招 | |
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102
smites
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的第三人称单数 ) | |
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103
smite
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| v.重击；彻底击败；n.打；尝试；一点儿 | |
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104
disdain
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| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
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105
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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106
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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107
dastard
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| n.卑怯之人，懦夫；adj.怯懦的，畏缩的 | |
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108
slayer
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| n. 杀人者，凶手 | |
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109
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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110
enchanted
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| adj. 被施魔法的，陶醉的，入迷的 动词enchant的过去式和过去分词 | |
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111
guileful
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| adj.狡诈的，诡计多端的 | |
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112
guile
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| n.诈术 | |
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113
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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114
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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115
deign
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| v. 屈尊, 惠允 ( 做某事) | |
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116
maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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117
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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118
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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119
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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120
ewer
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| n.大口水罐 | |
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121
dame
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| n.女士 | |
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122
boding
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| adj.凶兆的，先兆的n.凶兆，前兆，预感v.预示，预告，预言( bode的现在分词 )；等待，停留( bide的过去分词 )；居住；（过去式用bided）等待 | |
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123
mightily
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| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
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124
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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125
redeemed
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| adj. 可赎回的，可救赎的 动词redeem的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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126
venom
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| n.毒液，恶毒，痛恨 | |
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127
wondrously
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| adv.惊奇地，非常，极其 | |
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128
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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129
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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130
lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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131
calves
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| n.(calf的复数)笨拙的男子，腓；腿肚子( calf的名词复数 )；牛犊；腓；小腿肚v.生小牛( calve的第三人称单数 )；（冰川）崩解；生（小牛等），产（犊）；使（冰川）崩解 | |
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132
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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133
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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134
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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135
hanger
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| n.吊架，吊轴承；挂钩 | |
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137
soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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138
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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139
mantles
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| vt.&vi.覆盖（mantle的第三人称单数形式） | |
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140
teeming
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| adj.丰富的v.充满( teem的现在分词 )；到处都是；（指水、雨等）暴降；倾注 | |
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141
waned
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| v.衰落( wane的过去式和过去分词 )；（月）亏；变小；变暗淡 | |
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142
ordained
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| v.任命（某人）为牧师( ordain的过去式和过去分词 )；授予（某人）圣职；（上帝、法律等）命令；判定 | |
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143
steadfast
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| adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的 | |
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144
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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145
grovelling
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| adj.卑下的，奴颜婢膝的v.卑躬屈节，奴颜婢膝( grovel的现在分词 )；趴 | |
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146
groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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147
willows
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| n.柳树( willow的名词复数 )；柳木 | |
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148
eddying
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| 涡流，涡流的形成 | |
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149
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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150
trench
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| n./v.(挖)沟，(挖)战壕 | |
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151
mead
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| n.蜂蜜酒 | |
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152
supplication
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| n.恳求，祈愿，哀求 | |
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153
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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154
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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155
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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