A village upon Aetna not far off.
Chorus. I understand, catching him when alone 445
You think by some measure to dispatch him,
Or thrust him from the precipice.
Ulysses. Oh no;
Nothing of that kind; my device is subtle.
Chorus. How then? I heard of old that thou wert wise.
Ulysses. I will dissuade him from this plan, by saying 450
It were unwise to give the Cyclopses
This precious drink, which if enjoyed alone
Would make life sweeter for a longer time.
When, vanquished by the Bacchic power, he sleeps,
There is a trunk of olive wood within, 455
Whose point having made sharp with this good sword
I will conceal in fire, and when I see
It is alight, will fix it, burning yet,
Within the socket of the Cyclops' eye
And melt it out with fire—as when a man 460
Turns by its handle a great auger round,
Fitting the framework of a ship with beams,
So will I, in the Cyclops' fiery eye
Turn round the brand and dry the pupil up.
Chorus. Joy! I am mad with joy at your device. 465
Ulysses. And then with you, my friends, and the old man,
We'll load the hollow depth of our black ship,
And row with double strokes from this dread shore.
Chorus. May I, as in libations to a God,
Share in the blinding him with the red brand? 470
I would have some communion in his death.
Ulysses. Doubtless: the brand is a great brand to hold.
Chorus. Oh! I would lift an hundred waggon-loads,
If like a wasp's nest I could scoop the eye out
Of the detested Cyclops.
Ulysses. Silence now! 475
Ye know the close device—and when I call,
Look ye obey the masters of the craft.
I will not save myself and leave behind
My comrades in the cave: I might escape,
Having got clear from that obscure recess, 480
But 'twere unjust to leave in jeopardy
The dear companions who sailed here with me.
Chorus.
Come! who is first, that with his hand
Will urge down the burning brand
Through the lids, and quench and pierce 485
The Cyclops' eye so fiery fierce?
Semichorus I. (Song within.)
Listen! listen! he is coming,
A most hideous discord humming.
446 by some measure 1824; with some measures B.
