Then, so soon we had gotten us further, nor heard in the distance
Longer was sound of the words or the voice of the song of the Sirens,
Quickly my well-loved mates from their ears unloosened the beeswax
Which I had smeared them withal, and out of my bonds they released me.
Now no sooner the island was dropping behind us when straightway
Smoke and a monstrous wave I beheld and was ware of a thunder.
Then went flying in panic the oars from the hands of the rowers ;
Down in the swirl of the water they fell with a splash, and the ship stood
Still, for the hands of the men ceased plying the tapering oar-blades.
So to the midst of the vessel I passed and exhorted my comrades,
Standing in turn near each, and with words consoling addressed them :
' Courage, my friends ! ere now we have learnt us the lesson of danger;
Nor is a greater disaster before us than once was the Cyclops,
While with his masterful might in his hollow cavern he penned us ;
Natheless even from there by my valour and counsel and forethought
Found we escape, and I ween this too shall we live to remember.
Come now, list to the counsel I give, that we all may obey it.
Ye, O mates, with the oars on the salt sea's mountainous surges
Smite as ye sit on the benches — if Zeus peradventure will help us.
Granting us now to evade this doom and safely escape it.
