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,[1] 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.
- ↑ For this rendering of ἄκριας I am indebted to the old prose translator.
