Mind us again of the feast. Let a page bring water and pour it

Over the hands. In the morn we shall find full many a story,

Telemachus and myself, to recount each one to the other."

Thus did he speak and Asphalion on the hands poured water.
Ever-alert attendant of far-famed prince Menelaus.
Then did they stretch forth hands to the food that was lying before them.
Meantime Helen the daughter of Zeus planned other devices.
Casting a drug in the wine from the which were drinking the feasters.
Soother of pain is the drug, and of wrath, and of every sorrow ;
Whosoe'er should swallow a draught thus mixed in a wine-bowl.
Not for the space of a day on his cheeks would trickle a teardrop.
Not if his father himself should die or the mother that bare him.
Nay not e'en if his brother be slain, or the son that he loveth
Fall by the edge of the sword, and he see them dying before him.
Many a suchlike drug, both potent and kindly, did Helen
Gain from the consort of Thon, Polydamna, a woman of Egypt,
(Here doth the fertile soil breed potent plants in abundance.
Many benign, thus mixed as a potion, and many malignant.
Every dweller in Egypt moreover surpasseth as healer
Others of jnortals ; for truly the folk is the race of Paeeon.)

So when the potion was mingled she bade bear forth to the drinkers.
Then once more brake silence, addressing her husband in answer :
" Zeus-loved king Menelaus Atrides, and all of you present.
