Even as dogs that encircle the master who comes from a banquet
Fawning — for scraps to appease their ravening ever he bringeth —
Thus came ramping around them the strong-clawed wolves and the ligns
Fawning, and frighted the men as they saw these terrible monsters.
Now when at last they had come to the porch of the fair-tressed goddess,
Circe they heard in the palace. With beautiful voice she was singing.
Weaving a great and ambrosial web — such raiment as only
Goddesses work, so delicate fine, so splendid and lovely.
First then uttered a word Polites, leader of heroes.
He that was dearest of all of my mates and trustiest also :
' Listen, my friends ! for within at a great loom plieth her shuttle,
Singing with voice so sweet that it maketh the floor to re-echo.
Either a goddess or woman. But come and at once let us call her ! '
Thus did he speak and at once all raised their voices and called her.
Speedily then forth coming she opened the glittering portal.
Calling them in ; and they all in their foolishness followed and entered.
All save Eurylochus, for he tarried, suspicious of treason.
Bringing them into her palace she set them on chairs and on couches.
Mixed them of cheese and of meal and of yellow honey a batter
Mingled with Pramnian wine, and noxious drugs of enchantment
Added, that all might utterly fail to remember their homeland.
