“‘Come friends,’ I cried, ‘we shall not descend to the kingdom of Hades until our day of doom dawns. As long as there is food and drink let us be merry and refresh our weary bodies.’
“The sight of the stately animal put new life into my fainting comrades. They sprang up, washed their hands, and began to prepare the meat. We sat down to an excellent evening repast and our courage returned. A sweet sleep refreshed us, and at daybreak we determined to set out and see whom we could find on the island. But my companions grew panic-stricken when they thought of the Cyclops and the cannibal Læstrygones. ‘Very well,’ I said, ‘divide yourselves into two parties. I will lead one and the hero Eurylochus shall lead the other.’ We then drew lots from a brass helmet to see who should explore and who should remain to guard the ship. The lot fell to the brave Eurylochus and he hastened to set out with twenty-two men.
“In a distant valley they found the stately palace of Circe, the Sun-god’s daughter, a sorceress skilled in all the arts. Her dwelling was surrounded by lions and wolves, which were men transformed into animals by her magic. They were unfortunates who had been cast upon her coast by storms. Their human reason had not been taken from them, so that they did not attack the approaching men, but came up to them like friendly dogs. Inside the palace sat the beautiful Circe at her loom, singing. ‘Listen,’ said one of the men, ‘what lovely singing. Let us go in.’ The goddess who had overheard the words, left her work and opened the door. ‘Come in, strangers,’ she said sweetly, ‘that I may entertain ye.’ The friends obeyed and went inside. Only the cautious Eurylochus remained without and hid himself from the sorceress as though he divined mischief.
“The strangers were invited to sit on soft cushioned chairs and Circe passed food and mixed sweet wine for them, but in the wine she secretly put evil herbs, and when the poor fellows had drunk of the mixture Circe touched them all with her magic wand and in an instant they were changed into grunting swine. She then drove them out and put them into pens and laughingly shut them in. Eurylochus, horrified, saw all this from his hiding place, then hastened away to bring me the news. In broken words he related the horrible fate of our friends.
“I immediately sprang up. ‘Guide me thither,’ I cried, impatiently. ‘I will avenge the unfortunates if I cannot save them.’ But he fell at my feet and begged me with tears not to sacrifice myself. ‘Let us flee from the cursed island,’ he cried, ‘that we, at least, may escape the same awful fate.’
“‘Stay thou,’ I answered scornfully, ‘and eat and drink thy fill here by the shore, but I must needs go.’ With these words I hurried along the beach until I saw the dwelling of Circe in the distance. All at once a shining youth came toward me. I recognized Hermes by his staff and his glorious appearance.
“‘Friend,’ said he, taking me by the hand, why art thou wandering alone among these wild hills? Dost thou know what awaits thee? Thy friends are shut up in Circe’s pens transformed into swine. Dost intend to release them? Poor man, thou wilt scarcely succeed. I fear she will but pen thee up with the rest.’ I did not know what to answer, and could only gaze perplexed at the youthful god.
“‘Listen,’ he said. ‘I wish thee well and I can help thee. Therefore let me warn thee to beware of Circe’s tricks. On thy arrival she will mix for thee a sweet wine with a certain poison which puts all who partake of it in her power. But here is the antidote. Pour it secretly into the wine before thou drinkest, and her herbs cannot harm thee. When thou hast partaken of the mixture she will touch thee with her magic wand in the vain endeavor to transform thee. Take advantage of this moment to overcome her. Fall upon her with drawn sword as though thou wouldst pierce her, and thou shalt see her supplicating for mercy at thy feet. Grant what she asks, but let her swear a solemn oath that she will not further harm thee. Then she shall be appeased, and by degrees, in confidential talk, thou shalt persuade her to release thy friends also.’
“The god gave me the wholesome herb, then hastened back to high Olympus. I gazed gratefully after him, carefully stowed away his gift, and committed his advice to memory. Deep in thought I suddenly found myself at Circe’s dwelling and heard the heavenly singing. I called, and the goddess immediately appeared. She led me to the silver-mounted seat and went to prepare the wine in which she mixed her magic herbs. As soon as she handed me the cup, I quickly poured Hermes’ antidote into it, and drank off the potion without fear.
“At once she pointed the magic wand at my head saying: ‘Now, my little beast, follow thy friends into the pig-pen.’ I pushed back my chair, sprang from behind the table, and fell upon the false one with drawn sword. She shrieked and threw herself upon the ground to clasp my knees. ‘Who art thou and whence comest thou who art the first to withstand my magic? Never has a mortal resisted its power. Art thou perhaps the crafty Ulysses who, Hermes once told me, should visit me on his long wanderings and set at naught my sorcery? But look not so fiercely upon me. Put up thy sword. Sit down peaceably beside me that we may hold friendly converse.’