Page:Homer. The Odyssey (IA homerodyssey00collrich).pdf/83

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ULYSSES TELLS HIS STORY TO ALCINOUS.
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been lately traced a strong likeness to the bay of Balaclava—

"A rock-surrounded bay,Whence fronting headlands at the mouth outrun,Leaving a little narrow entrance-way,Wherethrough they drive the vessels one by one."

These Læstrygonians were a giant race, like the Cyclops, and of an equally barbarous character. One of the exploring party, whom Ulysses sent to reconnoitre, they seized and devoured on the spot, and then hurled rocks down on the ships as they lay moored in the land-locked harbour, and speared the unfortunate crews, "like fish," as they swam from the wrecks. Ulysses only had moored outside, and escaped with his single ship by cutting his cable.

Pursuing his sad voyage, he had reached the island of Ææa, where dwelt the enchantress Circe "of the bright hair," daughter of the Sun. Here he divided his small remaining force into two bands, one of which, under his lieutenant, Eurylochus, explored the interior of the island, while Ulysses and the rest kept guard by their ship. Hidden deep in the woods, they came upon the palace of Circe.

"Wolves of the mountain all around the way,And lions, softened by the spells divine,As each her philters had partaken, lay.These cluster round the men's advancing lineFawning like dogs, who, when their lord doth dine,Wait till he issues from the banquet-hall,And for the choice gifts which his hands assignFawn, for he ne'er forgets them—so these allFawn on our friends, whom much the unwonted sights appal.
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