CIRCE AND THE FRIENDS OF ULYSSES.—Rivière.
“Then instantly
She touched them with a wand, and shut them up
In sties, transformed to swine in head and voice,
Bristles and shape, though still the human mind
Remained to them. Thus sorrowing they were driven
Into their cells, where Circe flung to them
Acorns of oak and ilex, and the fruit
Of cornel, such as nourish wallowing swine.”
Homer (Bryant’s tr.).
Eurylochus, meanwhile, vainly awaited their return, and finally resolved to go back alone to the ships and report what had happened. Sword in hand, Ulysses then set out alone to rescue his comrades; but he had not gone far before he met a youth,—Mercury in disguise,—who warned him not to approach any nearer Circe, and told him of his companions’ transformation.
Ulysses and Circe.
As Ulysses would not be dissuaded from his purpose, Mercury gave him some moly, an herb warranted to preserve him from Circe’s magic spells, and sundry important directions, which were all duly listened to and observed.
Pressing onward, Ulysses reached the palace, entered the banquet room, drank Circe’s mixture, which was rendered ineffective by the moly’s power, and, when she waved her wand over his head and bade him join his fellows, drew his sword and rushed upon her, threatening to take her life if she did not immediately restore his friends to their human forms, and promise to do them no further harm.
Circe, terrified at the threat, agreed to comply with all his demands; and in a few moments Ulysses was again surrounded by his companions, who were touchingly grateful for their rescue. Circe now prepared a second feast, and entertained them all so well, that Ulysses lingered there for one whole year.
“And there from day to day
We lingered a full year, and banqueted
Nobly on plenteous meats and delicate wines.”
Homer (Bryant’s tr.).
Ulysses visits Cimmeria.