His earthly lot, as the high gods had will’d,

Far from the rivalries of men, from strife,

From arms, from woman’s love and toil of life.

Now of his lone abode I will unfold

What there I saw, or was by others told.

There is in truth a temple on the isle;

Therein a wooden statue of rude style

And workmanship antique with helm of lead:

Else all is desert, uninhabited;

Only a few goats browse the wind-swept rocks,