The Odyssey · Homer · openearbooks.com
Book Nine
ODYSSEUS DECLARES HIMSELF AND BEGINS HIS STORY. THE CICONS, LOTOPHAGI, AND CYCLOPES.
Butler used the Roman names common in his day, and we have restored the Greek ones Homer used, so this is Odysseus and Athena rather than Ulysses and Minerva.
Butler's translation is unabridged. His text is the 1900 revision, checked against an independent transcription of the 1898 printing, which found three errors and corrected them.
The classic translation · 1
And Odysseus answered, “King Alcinous, it is a good thing to hear a bard with such a divine voice as this man has. There is nothing better or more delightful than when a whole people make merry together, with the guests sitting orderly to listen, while the table is loaded with bread and meats, and the cup-bearer draws wine and fills his cup for every man. This is indeed as fair a sight as a man can see. Now, however, since you are inclined to ask the story of my sorrows, and rekindle my own sad memories in respect of them, I do not know how to begin, nor yet how to continue and conclude my tale, for the hand of heaven has been laid heavily upon me.
Plain English · 1
Odysseus answered, "King Alcinous, it is a good thing to hear a singer with a voice as wonderful as this man's. Nothing is better or more delightful than a group of people making merry together, the guests sitting quietly to listen, the table loaded with bread and meat, and the cup-bearer filling each man's cup with wine. This is as beautiful a sight as a man can see. But you want the story of my sorrows, and that means having to remember them again. I hardly know where to begin, or how to go on, or where to end, for I have been under the heavy hand of Heaven.
The classic translation · 2
“Firstly, then, I will tell you my name that you too may know it, and one day, if I outlive this time of sorrow, may become my guests though I live so far away from all of you. I am Odysseus son of Laertes, renowned among mankind for all manner of subtlety, so that my fame ascends to heaven. I live in Ithaca, where there is a high mountain called Neritum, covered with forests; and not far from it there is a group of islands very near to one another—Dulichium, Same, and the wooded island of Zacynthus. It lies squat on the horizon, all highest up in the sea towards the sunset, while the others lie away from it towards dawn. It is a rugged island, but it breeds brave men, and my eyes know none that they better love to look upon. The goddess Calypso kept me with her in her cave, and wanted me to marry her, as did also the cunning Aeaean goddess Circe; but they could neither of them persuade me, for there is nothing dearer to a man than his own country and his parents, and however splendid a home he may have in a foreign country, if it be far from father or mother, he does not care about it. Now, however, I will tell you of the many hazardous adventures which by Zeus’s will I met with on my return from Troy.
Plain English · 2
"First, I will tell you my name, so that you may know me, and perhaps one day, if I live through this sorrow, you may be my guests, though I live far away from you all. I am Odysseus, son of Laertes. I am known throughout the world for my cleverness, and my fame has reached heaven. I live in Ithaca. There is a high mountain there called Neritum, covered with forests, and not far from it is a group of islands that are close to one another: Dulichium, Same, and the wooded island of Zacynthus. Ithaca sits low on the horizon, far out in the sea toward the sunset, while the others are farther off, toward the rising sun. It is a rugged island, but it is home to brave men, and there are none my eyes would rather look at. The goddess Calypso kept me with her in her cave and wanted me to marry her, as did the cunning goddess Circe of Aeaea. But neither of them could persuade me, for there is nothing dearer to a man than his own country and his parents. However splendid a home he may have in a foreign land, if he is far from his father and mother, he cannot care for it. Now, however, I will tell you of the many dangerous adventures I faced, by the will of Zeus, on my return from Troy.
The classic translation · 3
“When I had set sail thence the wind took me first to Ismarus, which is the city of the Cicons. There I sacked the town and put the people to the sword. We took their wives and also much booty, which we divided equitably amongst us, so that none might have reason to complain. I then said that we had better make off at once, but my men very foolishly would not obey me, so they staid there drinking much wine and killing great numbers of sheep and oxen on the sea shore. Meanwhile the Cicons cried out for help to other Cicons who lived inland. These were more in number, and stronger, and they were more skilled in the art of war, for they could fight, either from chariots or on foot as the occasion served; in the morning, therefore, they came as thick as leaves and bloom in summer, and the hand of heaven was against us, so that we were hard pressed. They set the battle in array near the ships, and the hosts aimed their bronze-shod spears at one another. So long as the day waxed and it was still morning, we held our own against them, though they were more in number than we; but as the sun went down, towards the time when men loose their oxen, the Cicons got the better of us, and we lost half a dozen men from every ship we had; so we got away with those that were left.
Plain English · 3
"When I sailed from there, the wind first carried me to Ismarus, the city of the Cicons. There I sacked the town and killed the people. We took their wives and much booty, which we divided fairly among ourselves, so that no one would have reason to complain. I then said that we had better leave at once, but my men foolishly would not listen to me. Instead, they stayed there drinking much wine and killing many sheep and oxen on the seashore. Meanwhile, the Cicons called for help from other Cicons who lived inland. These were more numerous and stronger, and they were more skilled in war, for they could fight either from chariots or on foot as the need arose. In the morning they came as thick as the leaves and flowers of summer, and the hand of Heaven was against us, so that we were hard pressed. They formed their battle lines near the ships, and both sides aimed their bronze-tipped spears against each other. As long as it was still morning, we held our own against them, though they outnumbered us. But as the sun went down, toward the time when men unharness their oxen, the Cicons got the better of us. We lost six men from every ship, and so we escaped with those who were left.
The classic translation · 4
“Thence we sailed onward with sorrow in our hearts, but glad to have escaped death though we had lost our comrades, nor did we leave till we had thrice invoked each one of the poor fellows who had perished by the hands of the Cicons. Then Zeus raised the North wind against us till it blew a hurricane, so that land and sky were hidden in thick clouds, and night sprang forth out of the heavens. We let the ships run before the gale, but the force of the wind tore our sails to tatters, so we took them down for fear of shipwreck, and rowed our hardest towards the land. There we lay two days and two nights suffering much alike from toil and distress of mind, but on the morning of the third day we again raised our masts, set sail, and took our places, letting the wind and steersmen direct our ship. I should have got home at that time unharmed had not the North wind and the currents been against me as I was doubling Cape Malea, and set me off my course hard by the island of Cythera.
Plain English · 4
"We sailed onward with sorrow in our hearts, but grateful to have escaped death, though we had lost our comrades. We did not leave until we had three times called the name of each of the poor fellows who had died at the hands of the Cicons. Then Zeus raised the North Wind against us until it blew like a hurricane, so that land and sky were hidden by thick clouds, and night came down from the heavens. We let the strong wind carry the ships along, but it tore our sails to pieces, so we took them down for fear of shipwreck and rowed as hard as we could toward the land. There we stayed for two days and two nights, suffering greatly from our exhaustion and grief. On the morning of the third day, we raised our masts again, set sail, and took our places, letting the wind and steersmen guide the ship. I should have reached home safely then, if the North Wind and the currents had not been against me as I sailed around Cape Malea, driving me off course near the island of Cythera.
The classic translation · 5
“I was driven thence by foul winds for a space of nine days upon the sea, but on the tenth day we reached the land of the Lotus-eaters, who live on a food that comes from a kind of flower. Here we landed to take in fresh water, and our crews got their mid-day meal on the shore near the ships. When they had eaten and drunk I sent two of my company to see what manner of men the people of the place might be, and they had a third man under them. They started at once, and went about among the Lotus-eaters, who did them no hurt, but gave them to eat of the lotus, which was so delicious that those who ate of it left off caring about home, and did not even want to go back and say what had happened to them, but were for staying and munching lotus with the Lotus-eaters without thinking further of their return; nevertheless, though they wept bitterly I forced them back to the ships and made them fast under the benches. Then I told the rest to go on board at once, lest any of them should taste of the lotus and leave off wanting to get home, so they took their places and smote the grey sea with their oars.
Plain English · 5
"From there, foul winds drove us for nine days across the sea, but on the tenth day we reached the land of the Lotus-eaters, who live on food that comes from a kind of flower. There we landed to take on fresh water, and our crews ate their midday meal on the shore near the ships. When they had eaten and drunk, I sent two of my men to find out what kind of people lived there, and they had a third man under them. They set out at once and went among the Lotus-eaters, who did them no harm, but gave them lotus to eat. It was so delicious that those who tasted it no longer cared about home, and did not even want to return and tell us what had happened. Instead, they wanted to stay and eat lotus with the Lotus-eaters, forgetting all about going home. Even though they wept bitterly, I forced them back to the ships and had them tied beneath the benches. Then I told the others to go on board at once, in case any of them should taste the lotus and no longer want to return home. They took their places and rowed across the gray sea.
The classic translation · 6
“We sailed hence, always in much distress, till we came to the land of the lawless and inhuman Cyclopes. Now the Cyclopes neither plant nor plough, but trust in providence, and live on such wheat, barley, and grapes as grow wild without any kind of tillage, and their wild grapes yield them wine as the sun and the rain may grow them. They have no laws nor assemblies of the people, but live in caves on the tops of high mountains; each is lord and master in his family, and they take no account of their neighbours.
Plain English · 6
"We sailed on from there, always in great distress, until we came to the land of the lawless and inhuman Cyclopes. Now the Cyclopes neither plant nor plow, but trust in providence and live on wheat, barley, and grapes that grow wild without being cultivated. Their wild grapes give them wine, as the sun and rain make them grow. They have no laws or government, but live in caves high up in the mountains. Each man is lord and master of his own family, and they pay no attention to their neighbors.
The classic translation · 7
“Now off their harbour there lies a wooded and fertile island not quite close to the land of the Cyclopes, but still not far. It is over-run with wild goats, that breed there in great numbers and are never disturbed by foot of man; for sportsmen—who as a rule will suffer so much hardship in forest or among mountain precipices—do not go there, nor yet again is it ever ploughed or fed down, but it lies a wilderness untilled and unsown from year to year, and has no living thing upon it but only goats. For the Cyclopes have no ships, nor yet shipwrights who could make ships for them; they cannot therefore go from city to city, or sail over the sea to one another’s country as people who have ships can do; if they had had these they would have colonised the island, for it is a very good one, and would yield everything in due season. There are meadows that in some places come right down to the sea shore, well watered and full of luscious grass; grapes would do there excellently; there is level land for ploughing, and it would always yield heavily at harvest time, for the soil is deep. There is a good harbour where no cables are wanted, nor yet anchors, nor need a ship be moored, but all one has to do is to beach one’s vessel and stay there till the wind becomes fair for putting out to sea again. At the head of the harbour there is a spring of clear water coming out of a cave, and there are poplars growing all round it.
Plain English · 7
"Now, just off their harbor, there is a wooded and fertile island, not quite close to the land of the Cyclopes, but not far from it either. It is overrun with wild goats, which breed there in great numbers and are never disturbed by the foot of man. Hunters, who will endure great hardship in forests and among mountain cliffs, never go there. The land is never plowed or grazed by animals, but remains a wild, uncultivated place year after year, with no living creatures on it except the goats. For the Cyclopes have no ships, nor anyone who could build them. They cannot therefore travel from one city to another, or sail across the sea to each other's lands as people with ships can do. If they had had ships, they would have settled the island, for it is a very good one and would provide everything they needed in its proper season. There are meadows that in places reach right down to the seashore, well watered and covered in rich grass. Grapes would grow very well there, and there is level ground for plowing. The soil is deep, so it would produce a rich harvest every year. There is a good harbor where no cables or anchors are needed, and no ship has to be tied up. All one has to do is pull the ship onto the shore and wait until the wind is favorable for sailing again. At the head of the harbor there is a clear spring flowing from a cave, with poplar trees growing all around it.
The classic translation · 8
“Here we entered, but so dark was the night that some god must have brought us in, for there was nothing whatever to be seen. A thick mist hung all round our ships; the moon was hidden behind a mass of clouds so that no one could have seen the island if he had looked for it, nor were there any breakers to tell us we were close in shore before we found ourselves upon the land itself; when, however, we had beached the ships, we took down the sails, went ashore and camped upon the beach till daybreak.
Plain English · 8
"We entered the harbor, but the night was so dark that some god must have guided us in, for we could see nothing at all. A thick mist surrounded our ships, and the moon was hidden behind clouds, so that no one could have seen the island even if he had looked for it. There were no waves breaking to warn us that we were close to shore, and we did not know we had reached land until our ships were upon it. When we had beached the ships, we took down the sails, went ashore, and camped on the beach until daybreak.
Runs on into the next plain paragraph
The classic translation · 9
“When the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, we admired the island and wandered all over it, while the nymphs Zeus’s daughters roused the wild goats that we might get some meat for our dinner. On this we fetched our spears and bows and arrows from the ships, and dividing ourselves into three bands began to shoot the goats. Heaven sent us excellent sport; I had twelve ships with me, and each ship got nine goats, while my own ship had ten; thus through the livelong day to the going down of the sun we ate and drank our fill, and we had plenty of wine left, for each one of us had taken many jars full when we sacked the city of the Cicons, and this had not yet run out. While we were feasting we kept turning our eyes towards the land of the Cyclopes, which was hard by, and saw the smoke of their stubble fires. We could almost fancy we heard their voices and the bleating of their sheep and goats, but when the sun went down and it came on dark, we camped down upon the beach, and next morning I called a council.
Plain English · 9
"When Dawn, the rosy-fingered child of morning, appeared, we admired the island and wandered all over it, while the nymphs, daughters of Zeus, roused the wild goats so that we could get some meat for dinner. So we fetched our spears, bows, and arrows from the ships, and divided ourselves into three groups to hunt the goats. Heaven gave us a fine hunt. I had twelve ships with me, and each ship got nine goats, while my own ship got ten. So all through the day, until the sun went down, we ate and drank our fill. We still had plenty of wine left, for each of us had taken many jars of it when we sacked the city of the Cicons, and it had not yet run out. While we were feasting, we kept looking toward the land of the Cyclopes, which was nearby, and saw the smoke rising from their fires.
The classic translation · 9
The classic translation runs this and the paragraph above as one.
Plain English · 10
"We could almost imagine that we heard their voices and the bleating of their sheep and goats. But when the sun went down and darkness fell, we camped on the beach. The next morning, I called my men together for a meeting.
The classic translation · 10
“‘Stay here, my brave fellows,’ said I, ‘all the rest of you, while I go with my ship and exploit these people myself: I want to see if they are uncivilised savages, or a hospitable and humane race.’
Plain English · 11
"'Stay here, my brave men,' I said. 'All of you stay here while I go with my ship and find out what these people are like. I want to see whether they are uncivilized savages, or a hospitable and kind people.'
The classic translation · 11
“I went on board, bidding my men to do so also and loose the hawsers; so they took their places and smote the grey sea with their oars. When we got to the land, which was not far, there, on the face of a cliff near the sea, we saw a great cave overhung with laurels. It was a station for a great many sheep and goats, and outside there was a large yard, with a high wall round it made of stones built into the ground and of trees both pine and oak. This was the abode of a huge monster who was then away from home shepherding his flocks. He would have nothing to do with other people, but led the life of an outlaw. He was a horrid creature, not like a human being at all, but resembling rather some crag that stands out boldly against the sky on the top of a high mountain.
Plain English · 12
"I went on board and told my men to do the same and cast off the ropes. They took their places and rowed across the gray sea. When we reached the land, which was not far away, we saw a great cave in the face of a cliff near the sea, with laurels growing over it. It was large enough to shelter many sheep and goats, and outside was a large yard surrounded by a high wall made of stones, pine trees, and oak trees. This was the home of a huge monster who was away tending his flocks. He wanted nothing to do with other people and lived like an outlaw. He was a terrible creature, not at all like a human being, but more like a great rock rising boldly against the sky on the top of a high mountain.
The classic translation · 12
“I told my men to draw the ship ashore, and stay where they were, all but the twelve best among them, who were to go along with myself. I also took a goatskin of sweet black wine which had been given me by Maron, son of Euanthes, who was priest of Apollo the patron god of Ismarus, and lived within the wooded precincts of the temple. When we were sacking the city we respected him, and spared his life, as also his wife and child; so he made me some presents of great value—seven talents of fine gold, and a bowl of silver, with twelve jars of sweet wine, unblended, and of the most exquisite flavour. Not a man nor maid in the house knew about it, but only himself, his wife, and one housekeeper: when he drank it he mixed twenty parts of water to one of wine, and yet the fragrance from the mixing-bowl was so exquisite that it was impossible to refrain from drinking. I filled a large skin with this wine, and took a wallet full of provisions with me, for my mind misgave me that I might have to deal with some savage who would be of great strength, and would respect neither right nor law.
Plain English · 13
"I told my men to pull the ship ashore and stay there, except for the twelve best men among them, who were to go with me. I also took a goatskin full of sweet, dark wine that had been given to me by Maron, son of Euanthes, the priest of Apollo, the god who protected Ismarus. He lived in the wooded grounds of the temple. When we sacked the city, we spared him, along with his wife and child, and he gave me gifts of great value: seven talents of fine gold, a silver bowl, and twelve jars of sweet, undiluted wine of the finest kind. No one in his household knew about the wine except Maron, his wife, and one servant. When he drank it, he mixed twenty parts water with one part wine, yet even then its fragrance was so wonderful that it was hard to resist drinking it. I filled a large goatskin with this wine and took a bag of food with me, for I had a feeling that I might have to face some savage who was very strong and respected neither law nor justice.
The classic translation · 13
“We soon reached his cave, but he was out shepherding, so we went inside and took stock of all that we could see. His cheese-racks were loaded with cheeses, and he had more lambs and kids than his pens could hold. They were kept in separate flocks; first there were the hoggets, then the oldest of the younger lambs and lastly the very young ones all kept apart from one another; as for his dairy, all the vessels, bowls, and milk pails into which he milked, were swimming with whey. When they saw all this, my men begged me to let them first steal some cheeses, and make off with them to the ship; they would then return, drive down the lambs and kids, put them on board and sail away with them. It would have been indeed better if we had done so but I would not listen to them, for I wanted to see the owner himself, in the hope that he might give me a present. When, however, we saw him my poor men found him ill to deal with.
Plain English · 14
"We soon reached his cave, but he was out with his flocks. So we went inside and looked at everything there. His racks were loaded with cheeses, and he had more lambs and kids than his pens could hold. They were kept in separate groups: the oldest in one, the middle ones in another, and the newborns apart from the rest. All his pails and bowls, the ones he milked into, were swimming with whey. When my men saw this, they begged me to let them take some cheeses and hurry back to the ship, and then come back for the lambs and kids, load them on board, and sail away. It would have been better if we had. But I would not listen to them. I wanted to see the owner himself, because I hoped he might give me a gift. When we did see him, my poor men found him hard to deal with.
The classic translation · 14
“We lit a fire, offered some of the cheeses in sacrifice, ate others of them, and then sat waiting till the Cyclops should come in with his sheep. When he came, he brought in with him a huge load of dry firewood to light the fire for his supper, and this he flung with such a noise on to the floor of his cave that we hid ourselves for fear at the far end of the cavern. Meanwhile he drove all the ewes inside, as well as the she-goats that he was going to milk, leaving the males, both rams and he-goats, outside in the yards. Then he rolled a huge stone to the mouth of the cave—so huge that two and twenty strong four-wheeled waggons would not be enough to draw it from its place against the doorway. When he had so done he sat down and milked his ewes and goats, all in due course, and then let each of them have her own young. He curdled half the milk and set it aside in wicker strainers, but the other half he poured into bowls that he might drink it for his supper. When he had got through with all his work, he lit the fire, and then caught sight of us, whereon he said:
Plain English · 15
"We lit a fire, offered some of the cheeses to the gods, and ate the rest. Then we sat and waited for the Cyclops to come in with his sheep. When he came, he was carrying a huge load of dry firewood for his supper fire. He threw it down on the floor of the cave with such a crash that we hid in terror at the far end. He drove all the ewes inside, and the she-goats he meant to milk, but he left the males, both rams and he-goats, out in the yard. Then he rolled a huge stone across the mouth of the cave. It was so big that twenty-two strong four-wheeled wagons could not have dragged it away. Then he sat down and milked his ewes and goats, one after another, and gave each of them her own young to feed. He curdled half the milk and set it aside in wicker strainers, and poured the other half into bowls to drink with his supper. When all his work was done, he lit the fire. Then he caught sight of us, and said:
The classic translation · 15
“‘Strangers, who are you? Where do you sail from? Are you traders, or do you sail the sea as rovers, with your hands against every man, and every man’s hand against you?’
Plain English · 16
"'Strangers, who are you? Where do you come from? Are you traders, or do you sail the seas as raiders, fighting against everyone, and with everyone against you?'
The classic translation · 16
“We were frightened out of our senses by his loud voice and monstrous form, but I managed to say, ‘We are Achaeans on our way home from Troy, but by the will of Zeus, and stress of weather, we have been driven far out of our course. We are the people of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, who has won infinite renown throughout the whole world, by sacking so great a city and killing so many people. We therefore humbly pray you to show us some hospitality, and otherwise make us such presents as visitors may reasonably expect. May your excellency fear the wrath of heaven, for we are your suppliants, and Zeus takes all respectable travellers under his protection, for he is the avenger of all suppliants and foreigners in distress.’
Plain English · 17
"We were terrified by his loud voice and monstrous appearance, but I managed to say, 'We are Achaeans on our way home from Troy, but by the will of Zeus and the force of the weather, we have been driven far from our course. We are the people of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, whose fame has spread throughout the world for sacking such a great city and killing so many people. We humbly ask you to welcome us as guests and give us the gifts that are due to visitors. I beg you to fear the anger of heaven, for we are asking for your protection, and Zeus protects all honorable travelers. He is the avenger of everyone who begs for protection, and of every stranger in distress.'
The classic translation · 17
“To this he gave me but a pitiless answer, ‘Stranger,’ said he, ‘you are a fool, or else you know nothing of this country. Talk to me, indeed, about fearing the gods or shunning their anger? We Cyclopes do not care about Zeus or any of your blessed gods, for we are ever so much stronger than they. I shall not spare either yourself or your companions out of any regard for Zeus, unless I am in the humour for doing so. And now tell me where you made your ship fast when you came on shore. Was it round the point, or is she lying straight off the land?’
Plain English · 18
"To this he gave me a pitiless answer. 'Stranger,' he said, 'you are a fool, or you know nothing of this country. Do you really think I care about fearing the gods or keeping out of their way? We Cyclopes care nothing for Zeus or any of the other gods, for we are much stronger than they are. I will not spare you or your companions because of Zeus, unless I choose to. Now tell me where you left your ship when you came ashore. Is it around the point, or is it lying straight out from the land?'
The classic translation · 18
“He said this to draw me out, but I was too cunning to be caught in that way, so I answered with a lie; ‘Poseidon,’ said I, ‘sent my ship on to the rocks at the far end of your country, and wrecked it. We were driven on to them from the open sea, but I and those who are with me escaped the jaws of death.’
Plain English · 19
"He said this to trick me, but I was too cunning to be caught, so I lied to him. 'Poseidon,' I said, 'drove my ship onto the rocks at the far end of your country and wrecked it. We were driven onto them from the open sea, but I and my men escaped death.'
The classic translation · 19
“The cruel wretch vouchsafed me not one word of answer, but with a sudden clutch he gripped up two of my men at once and dashed them down upon the ground as though they had been puppies. Their brains were shed upon the ground, and the earth was wet with their blood. Then he tore them limb from limb and supped upon them. He gobbled them up like a lion in the wilderness, flesh, bones, marrow, and entrails, without leaving anything uneaten. As for us, we wept and lifted up our hands to heaven on seeing such a horrid sight, for we did not know what else to do; but when the Cyclops had filled his huge paunch, and had washed down his meal of human flesh with a drink of neat milk, he stretched himself full length upon the ground among his sheep, and went to sleep. I was at first inclined to seize my sword, draw it, and drive it into his vitals, but I reflected that if I did we should all certainly be lost, for we should never be able to shift the stone which the monster had put in front of the door. So we stayed sobbing and sighing where we were till morning came.
Plain English · 20
"The cruel wretch did not answer me with a single word. He reached out, snatched up two of my men at once, and dashed them on the ground like puppies. Their brains spilled out, and the earth was wet with their blood. Then he tore them limb from limb and ate them. He devoured them like a lion in the wild: flesh, bones, marrow, and all. He left nothing. We wept and lifted our hands to Heaven at the sight of it, because there was nothing else we could do. When the Cyclops had filled his huge belly and washed the meal down with plain milk, he stretched himself out full length on the ground among his sheep and went to sleep. My first thought was to draw my sword and drive it into his heart. But I realized that if I did, we would all be lost. We could never have shifted the stone he had set against the door. So we stayed where we were, sobbing and sighing, until morning came.
The classic translation · 20
“When the child of morning, rosy-fingered dawn, appeared, he again lit his fire, milked his goats and ewes, all quite rightly, and then let each have her own young one; as soon as he had got through with all his work, he clutched up two more of my men, and began eating them for his morning’s meal. Presently, with the utmost ease, he rolled the stone away from the door and drove out his sheep, but he at once put it back again—as easily as though he were merely clapping the lid on to a quiver full of arrows. As soon as he had done so he shouted, and cried ‘Shoo, shoo,’ after his sheep to drive them on to the mountain; so I was left to scheme some way of taking my revenge and covering myself with glory.
Plain English · 21
"When Dawn, the rosy-fingered child of morning, appeared, he lit his fire again, milked his goats and ewes, one after another, and gave each of them her own young. As soon as his work was done, he snatched up two more of my men and ate them for his breakfast. Then he rolled the stone away from the door, easily, and drove his sheep out. But he put it straight back again, as easily as a man puts the lid on a quiver of arrows. Then he shouted, and cried 'Shoo, shoo,' after his sheep to drive them up the mountain, and left me to work out how I might take my revenge and win glory for myself.
The classic translation · 21
“In the end I deemed it would be the best plan to do as follows: The Cyclops had a great club which was lying near one of the sheep pens; it was of green olive wood, and he had cut it intending to use it for a staff as soon as it should be dry. It was so huge that we could only compare it to the mast of a twenty-oared merchant vessel of large burden, and able to venture out into open sea. I went up to this club and cut off about six feet of it; I then gave this piece to the men and told them to fine it evenly off at one end, which they proceeded to do, and lastly I brought it to a point myself, charring the end in the fire to make it harder. When I had done this I hid it under the dung, which was lying about all over the cave, and told the men to cast lots which of them should venture along with myself to lift it and bore it into the monster’s eye while he was asleep. The lot fell upon the very four whom I should have chosen, and I myself made five. In the evening the wretch came back from shepherding, and drove his flocks into the cave—this time driving them all inside, and not leaving any in the yards; I suppose some fancy must have taken him, or a god must have prompted him to do so. As soon as he had put the stone back to its place against the door, he sat down, milked his ewes and his goats all quite rightly, and then let each have her own young one; when he had got through with all this work, he gripped up two more of my men, and made his supper off them. So I went up to him with an ivy-wood bowl of black wine in my hands:
Plain English · 22
"In the end I decided on this plan. The Cyclops had a great club lying near one of the sheep pens. It was green olive wood, and he had cut it to use as a walking staff once it dried. It was so huge that the only thing we could compare it to was the mast of a big twenty-oared cargo ship, the kind that can sail the open sea. I went up to it and cut off about six feet. I gave the piece to my men and told them to shave it down evenly at one end, and they did. Then I sharpened it to a point myself, and hardened the point by charring it in the fire. I hid it under the dung that lay all over the cave. Then I told the men to draw lots, to see which of them would help me lift it and drive it into the monster's eye while he slept. The lot fell on the four I would have chosen myself, and I made a fifth. In the evening the wretch came back from the fields and drove his flocks into the cave. This time he brought them all inside and left none in the yard. I suppose some whim must have taken him, or a god must have put it into his mind. As soon as he had set the stone back against the door, he sat down, milked his ewes and goats, one after another, and gave each of them her own young. When all this work was done, he snatched up two more of my men and made his supper of them. Then I went up to him with a bowl of dark wine in my hands, made of ivy wood, and said:
The classic translation · 22
“‘Look here, Cyclops,’ said I, you have been eating a great deal of man’s flesh, so take this and drink some wine, that you may see what kind of liquor we had on board my ship. I was bringing it to you as a drink-offering, in the hope that you would take compassion upon me and further me on my way home, whereas all you do is to go on ramping and raving most intolerably. You ought to be ashamed of yourself; how can you expect people to come see you any more if you treat them in this way?’
Plain English · 23
"'Here, Cyclops. You have eaten a great deal of human flesh, so take this and drink some wine. See what we had on board my ship. I was bringing it to you as a drink-offering, and I hoped you would take pity on me and help me get home. Instead you rage and rave beyond all bearing. You should be ashamed of yourself. How can you expect anyone to visit you again, if this is how you treat them?'
The classic translation · 23
“He then took the cup and drank. He was so delighted with the taste of the wine that he begged me for another bowl full. ‘Be so kind,’ he said, ‘as to give me some more, and tell me your name at once. I want to make you a present that you will be glad to have. We have wine even in this country, for our soil grows grapes and the sun ripens them, but this drinks like Nectar and Ambrosia all in one.’
Plain English · 24
"He took the cup and drank. The taste delighted him so much that he begged me for another bowlful. 'Be kind enough to give me some more,' he said, 'and tell me your name now. I want to give you a gift that will please you. We have wine here too, because our soil grows grapes and the sun ripens them, but this tastes like nectar and ambrosia together.'
The classic translation · 24
“I then gave him some more; three times did I fill the bowl for him, and three times did he drain it without thought or heed; then, when I saw that the wine had got into his head, I said to him as plausibly as I could: ‘Cyclops, you ask my name and I will tell it you; give me, therefore, the present you promised me; my name is Noman; this is what my father and mother and my friends have always called me.’
Plain English · 25
"I gave him some more wine: three times I filled the bowl for him, and three times he drank it down without hesitation. When I saw that the wine had gone to his head, I said to him as convincingly as I could: 'Cyclops, you ask my name, and I will tell you. Now give me the gift you promised me. My name is Noman; that is what my father, mother, and friends have always called me.'
The classic translation · 25
“But the cruel wretch said, ‘Then I will eat all Noman’s comrades before Noman himself, and will keep Noman for the last. This is the present that I will make him.’
Plain English · 26
"But the cruel wretch said, 'Then I will eat all of Noman's companions before I eat Noman himself, and I will keep Noman for last. That will be the gift I give him.'
The classic translation · 26
“As he spoke he reeled, and fell sprawling face upwards on the ground. His great neck hung heavily backwards and a deep sleep took hold upon him. Presently he turned sick, and threw up both wine and the gobbets of human flesh on which he had been gorging, for he was very drunk. Then I thrust the beam of wood far into the embers to heat it, and encouraged my men lest any of them should turn faint-hearted. When the wood, green though it was, was about to blaze, I drew it out of the fire glowing with heat, and my men gathered round me, for heaven had filled their hearts with courage. We drove the sharp end of the beam into the monster’s eye, and bearing upon it with all my weight I kept turning it round and round as though I were boring a hole in a ship’s plank with an auger, which two men with a wheel and strap can keep on turning as long as they choose. Even thus did we bore the red hot beam into his eye, till the boiling blood bubbled all over it as we worked it round and round, so that the steam from the burning eyeball scalded his eyelids and eyebrows, and the roots of the eye sputtered in the fire. As a blacksmith plunges an axe or hatchet into cold water to temper it—for it is this that gives strength to the iron—and it makes a great hiss as he does so, even thus did the Cyclops’ eye hiss round the beam of olive wood, and his hideous yells made the cave ring again. We ran away in a fright, but he plucked the beam all besmirched with gore from his eye, and hurled it from him in a frenzy of rage and pain, shouting as he did so to the other Cyclopes who lived on the bleak headlands near him; so they gathered from all quarters round his cave when they heard him crying, and asked what was the matter with him.
Plain English · 27
"As he spoke he swayed, and fell flat on his back. His great neck rolled to one side and a deep sleep took hold of him. Soon he was sick, and threw up the wine and the lumps of human flesh he had gorged on, because he was very drunk. Then I pushed the stake deep into the embers to heat it, and I spoke to my men to keep any of them from losing his nerve. The wood was green, but when it was about to catch fire I pulled it out, glowing hot. My men gathered round me, and Heaven filled their hearts with courage. We drove the sharp end into the monster's eye. I leaned on it with all my weight and turned it round and round, the way a man bores a hole in a ship's plank with a drill, which two men with a wheel and strap can keep turning as long as they like. That is how we turned the red-hot stake in his eye. The blood boiled up around it as we worked, and the steam from the burning eyeball scalded his eyelids and his eyebrows, and the roots of the eye crackled in the fire. A blacksmith dips an axe or a hatchet into cold water to harden it, and the iron hisses loudly. The Cyclops' eye hissed like that around the olive stake. His screams were hideous, and the cave rang with them. We ran back in terror. He pulled the stake out of his eye, covered in blood, and hurled it away from him, wild with rage and pain. Then he shouted to the other Cyclopes, who lived in caves along the windy headlands nearby. They heard him crying out and came from every direction, and stood around his cave and asked him what was wrong.
The classic translation · 27
“‘What ails you, Polyphemus,’ said they, ‘that you make such a noise, breaking the stillness of the night, and preventing us from being able to sleep? Surely no man is carrying off your sheep? Surely no man is trying to kill you either by fraud or by force?’
Plain English · 28
"'What is the matter with you, Polyphemus?' they said. 'Why are you making such a noise in the middle of the night and keeping us awake? Surely no man is driving off your sheep? Surely no man is trying to kill you, by force or by trickery?'
The classic translation · 28
“But Polyphemus shouted to them from inside the cave, ‘Noman is killing me by fraud; no man is killing me by force.’
Plain English · 29
"But Polyphemus shouted back from inside the cave, 'Noman is killing me by trickery! No man is killing me by force!'
The classic translation · 29
“‘Then,’ said they, ‘if no man is attacking you, you must be ill; when Zeus makes people ill, there is no help for it, and you had better pray to your father Poseidon.’
Plain English · 30
"'Well then,' they said, 'if no man is attacking you, you must be ill. When Zeus makes someone ill, there is no help for it. Say a prayer to your father Poseidon.'
The classic translation · 30
“Then they went away, and I laughed inwardly at the success of my clever stratagem, but the Cyclops, groaning and in an agony of pain, felt about with his hands till he found the stone and took it from the door; then he sat in the doorway and stretched his hands in front of it to catch anyone going out with the sheep, for he thought I might be foolish enough to attempt this.
Plain English · 31
"So they went away, and I laughed to myself at how well my trick had worked. But the Cyclops, groaning in agony, felt about with his hands until he found the stone and pulled it out of the doorway. Then he sat down in the entrance with his arms stretched out across it, to catch anyone who tried to walk out among the sheep. He must have thought I was fool enough to try it.
The classic translation · 31
“As for myself I kept on puzzling to think how I could best save my own life and those of my companions; I schemed and schemed, as one who knows that his life depends upon it, for the danger was very great. In the end I deemed that this plan would be the best; the male sheep were well grown, and carried a heavy black fleece, so I bound them noiselessly in threes together, with some of the withes on which the wicked monster used to sleep. There was to be a man under the middle sheep, and the two on either side were to cover him, so that there were three sheep to each man. As for myself there was a ram finer than any of the others, so I caught hold of him by the back, ensconced myself in the thick wool under his belly, and hung on patiently to his fleece, face upwards, keeping a firm hold on it all the time.
Plain English · 32
"Meanwhile I kept turning over how to save my own life and my men's. I schemed and schemed, the way a man does when he knows his life depends on it, because the danger was very great. In the end this seemed the best plan. The rams were full grown and carried thick black fleeces. I tied them together in threes, silently, using the willow twigs the monster slept on. The middle sheep of each three would carry a man underneath it, and the two on either side would hide him. So there were three sheep for every man. For myself there was one ram finer than all the rest. I took hold of his back, settled myself into the thick wool under his belly, and hung there face upward, gripping the fleece and holding on.
The classic translation · 32
“Thus, then, did we wait in great fear of mind till morning came, but when the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared, the male sheep hurried out to feed, while the ewes remained bleating about the pens waiting to be milked, for their udders were full to bursting; but their master in spite of all his pain felt the backs of all the sheep as they stood upright, without being sharp enough to find out that the men were underneath their bellies. As the ram was going out, last of all, heavy with its fleece and with the weight of my crafty self, Polyphemus laid hold of it and said:
Plain English · 33
"So we waited in fear until morning came. When Dawn, the rosy-fingered child of morning, appeared, the rams hurried out to feed. The ewes stayed by the pens, bleating to be milked, because their udders were full to bursting. Their master, in all his pain, ran his hands over the backs of the sheep as they stood, but he never thought to feel underneath them, where the men were. The ram went out last of all, heavy with his fleece and with the weight of crafty me. Polyphemus took hold of him and said:
The classic translation · 33
“‘My good ram, what is it that makes you the last to leave my cave this morning? You are not wont to let the ewes go before you, but lead the mob with a run whether to flowery mead or bubbling fountain, and are the first to come home again at night; but now you lag last of all. Is it because you know your master has lost his eye, and are sorry because that wicked Noman and his horrid crew has got him down in his drink and blinded him? But I will have his life yet. If you could understand and talk, you would tell me where the wretch is hiding, and I would dash his brains upon the ground till they flew all over the cave. I should thus have some satisfaction for the harm this no-good Noman has done me.’
Plain English · 34
"'My good ram, why are you the last to leave my cave this morning? You never let the ewes go ahead of you. You lead the flock at a run, to the flowering meadow or the bubbling spring, and you are the first one home at night. But now you are last of them all. Is it because you know your master has lost his eye, and you are grieving for him, because that wicked Noman and his foul crew got him drunk and blinded him? I will have his life yet. If you could understand me and speak, you would tell me where he is hiding, and I would smash his brains out on the ground until they flew all over the cave. That would pay me back a little for the harm this good-for-nothing Noman has done me.'
The classic translation · 34
“As he spoke he drove the ram outside, but when we were a little way out from the cave and yards, I first got from under the ram’s belly, and then freed my comrades; as for the sheep, which were very fat, by constantly heading them in the right direction we managed to drive them down to the ship. The crew rejoiced greatly at seeing those of us who had escaped death, but wept for the others whom the Cyclops had killed. However, I made signs to them by nodding and frowning that they were to hush their crying, and told them to get all the sheep on board at once and put out to sea; so they went aboard, took their places, and smote the grey sea with their oars. Then, when I had got as far out as my voice would reach, I began to jeer at the Cyclops.
Plain English · 35
"With that he drove the ram outside. When we were a little way from the cave and the yard, I let go of the ram's belly first, and then untied my men. The sheep were fat and slow, but by keeping them headed the right way we drove them down to the ship. The crew were overjoyed to see those of us who had escaped, and wept for the men the Cyclops had killed. But I nodded and frowned at them to stop their crying, and told them to get the sheep on board at once and put out to sea. So they went aboard, took their places, and rowed across the gray sea. When I was as far out as my voice would carry, I began to jeer at the Cyclops.
The classic translation · 35
“‘Cyclops,’ said I, ‘you should have taken better measure of your man before eating up his comrades in your cave. You wretch, eat up your visitors in your own house? You might have known that your sin would find you out, and now Zeus and the other gods have punished you.’
Plain English · 36
"'Cyclops! You should have taken better measure of your man before you ate his comrades in your cave. You wretch, to eat your guests under your own roof! You should have known your sin would find you out, and now Zeus and the other gods have punished you.'
The classic translation · 36
“He got more and more furious as he heard me, so he tore the top from off a high mountain, and flung it just in front of my ship so that it was within a little of hitting the end of the rudder. The sea quaked as the rock fell into it, and the wash of the wave it raised carried us back towards the mainland, and forced us towards the shore. But I snatched up a long pole and kept the ship off, making signs to my men by nodding my head, that they must row for their lives, whereon they laid out with a will. When we had got twice as far as we were before, I was for jeering at the Cyclops again, but the men begged and prayed of me to hold my tongue.
Plain English · 37
"That made him angrier and angrier. He tore the top off a high mountain and flung it just in front of my ship, and it came within a little of hitting the end of the rudder. The sea shook as the rock came down. The wave it raised carried us back toward the mainland and forced us in toward the shore. But I snatched up a long pole and held the ship off, and I nodded to my men that they must row for their lives. They put their backs into it. When we had got twice as far out as before, I wanted to jeer at the Cyclops again, but my men begged and pleaded with me to hold my tongue.
The classic translation · 37
“‘Do not,’ they exclaimed, ‘be mad enough to provoke this savage creature further; he has thrown one rock at us already which drove us back again to the mainland, and we made sure it had been the death of us; if he had then heard any further sound of voices he would have pounded our heads and our ship’s timbers into a jelly with the rugged rocks he would have heaved at us, for he can throw them a long way.’
Plain English · 38
"'Do not be mad enough to provoke this savage any further,' they said. 'He has thrown one rock at us already and driven us back to the mainland, and we were certain it was the death of us. If he had heard our voices then, he would have crushed our heads and the ship's timbers into a jelly with the jagged rocks he throws, and he can throw them a long way.'
The classic translation · 38
“But I would not listen to them, and shouted out to him in my rage, ‘Cyclops, if any one asks you who it was that put your eye out and spoiled your beauty, say it was the valiant warrior Odysseus, son of Laertes, who lives in Ithaca.’
Plain English · 39
"But I would not listen to them. I shouted out to him in my rage, 'Cyclops! If anyone ever asks you who put out your eye and ruined your face, tell them it was Odysseus, the great warrior, son of Laertes, who lives in Ithaca.'
The classic translation · 39
“On this he groaned, and cried out, ‘Alas, alas, then the old prophecy about me is coming true. There was a prophet here, at one time, a man both brave and of great stature, Telemus son of Eurymus, who was an excellent seer, and did all the prophesying for the Cyclopes till he grew old; he told me that all this would happen to me some day, and said I should lose my sight by the hand of Odysseus. I have been all along expecting some one of imposing presence and superhuman strength, whereas he turns out to be a little insignificant weakling, who has managed to blind my eye by taking advantage of me in my drink; come here, then, Odysseus, that I may make you presents to show my hospitality, and urge Poseidon to help you forward on your journey—for Poseidon and I are father and son. He, if he so will, shall heal me, which no one else neither god nor man can do.’
Plain English · 40
"At that he groaned and cried out. 'Oh no. The old prophecy about me is coming true. There was a prophet here once, a brave man and a tall one, Telemus son of Eurymus. He was a fine seer, and he did all the prophesying for the Cyclopes until he grew old. He told me that all of this would happen to me one day. He said I would lose my sight at the hands of Odysseus. All this time I have been expecting a big, impressive man of superhuman strength, and it turns out to be a puny little weakling, who blinded my eye by getting me drunk first. Come here, Odysseus, and let me give you gifts to welcome you, and let me ask Poseidon to help you on your journey. Poseidon is my father and I am his son. He can heal me, if he chooses. No one else can, god or man.'
The classic translation · 40
“Then I said, ‘I wish I could be as sure of killing you outright and sending you down to the house of Hades, as I am that it will take more than Poseidon to cure that eye of yours.’
Plain English · 41
"Then I said, 'I wish I could be as sure of killing you outright and sending you down to the house of Hades, as I am that it will take more than Poseidon to cure that eye of yours.'
The classic translation · 41
“On this he lifted up his hands to the firmament of heaven and prayed, saying, ‘Hear me, great Poseidon; if I am indeed your own true begotten son, grant that Odysseus may never reach his home alive; or if he must get back to his friends at last, let him do so late and in sore plight after losing all his men let him reach his home in another man’s ship and find trouble in his house.’
Plain English · 42
"At that he lifted up his hands to the sky and prayed. 'Hear me, great Poseidon. If I am truly your own son, grant that Odysseus never reaches his home alive. Or if he must get back to his family in the end, let him come late, and in great trouble, after losing all his men. Let him come home in another man's ship, and let him find trouble waiting in his house.'
The classic translation · 42
“Thus did he pray, and Poseidon heard his prayer. Then he picked up a rock much larger than the first, swung it aloft and hurled it with prodigious force. It fell just short of the ship, but was within a little of hitting the end of the rudder. The sea quaked as the rock fell into it, and the wash of the wave it raised drove us onwards on our way towards the shore of the island.
Plain English · 43
"So he prayed, and Poseidon heard him. Then he picked up a rock much larger than the first, swung it high, and hurled it with enormous force. It fell just short of the ship, close enough to come within a little of hitting the end of the rudder. The sea shook as the rock came down, and the wave it raised carried us forward, on toward the shore of the island.
The classic translation · 43
“When at last we got to the island where we had left the rest of our ships, we found our comrades lamenting us, and anxiously awaiting our return. We ran our vessel upon the sands and got out of her on to the sea shore; we also landed the Cyclops’ sheep, and divided them equitably amongst us so that none might have reason to complain. As for the ram, my companions agreed that I should have it as an extra share; so I sacrificed it on the sea shore, and burned its thigh bones to Zeus, who is the lord of all. But he heeded not my sacrifice, and only thought how he might destroy both my ships and my comrades.
Plain English · 44
"At last we reached the island where we had left the rest of our ships. We found our comrades mourning for us, waiting anxiously for us to come back. We ran our ship up onto the sand and climbed out onto the shore. We brought the Cyclops' sheep ashore too, and divided them fairly among us, so that no one had reason to complain. My men agreed that I should have the great ram as an extra share, so I sacrificed it on the shore and burned its thigh bones to Zeus, the lord of all. But Zeus took no notice of my sacrifice. He was thinking only of how he might destroy my ships and my comrades.
The classic translation · 44
“Thus through the livelong day to the going down of the sun we feasted our fill on meat and drink, but when the sun went down and it came on dark, we camped upon the beach. When the child of morning rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, I bade my men go on board and loose the hawsers. Then they took their places and smote the grey sea with their oars; so we sailed on with sorrow in our hearts, but glad to have escaped death though we had lost our comrades.
Plain English · 45
"So we feasted all day long, until the sun went down, on meat and drink. When the sun had set and darkness came on, we slept on the beach. When Dawn, the rosy-fingered child of morning, appeared, I ordered my men aboard and told them to cast off the ropes. They took their places and rowed across the gray sea. And so we sailed on with sorrow in our hearts, but grateful to have escaped death, though we had lost our comrades.
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