gladly on the lap of earth by the water’s side, having cast

lots for the oars, and take our ease dispersedly along the

dry beach. Sleep’s dew sprinkles our wearied limbs. Not 35

yet was night’s car entering the middle of its circle, drawn

by the unflagging hours, when Palinurus, with no thought

of sloth, springs from his bed, explores every wind, and

catches with his ears the voices of the air. All the stars

he notes, as they swim through the silent sky, looking

round on Arcturus, and the showery Hyades, and the

twin Bears, and Orion in his panoply of gold. Soon as