第4章

"Why，’tisaverywonderfulaffair，"answeredoneofhisnewcompanions。"Iamprettywellacquaintedwiththewaysofcattle，andIneverknewacow，ofherownaccord，togosofarwithoutstopping。Ifmylegswillletme，I’llneverleavefollowingthebeasttillsheliesdown。"

"NorI！"saidasecond。

"NorI！"criedathird。"Ifshegoesahundredmilesfarther，I

amdeterminedtoseetheendofit。"

Thesecretofitwas，youmustknow，thatthecowwasanenchantedcow，andthat，withouttheirbeingconsciousofit，shethrewsomeofherenchantmentovereverybodythattooksomuchashalfadozenstepsbehindher。Theycouldnotpossiblyhelpfollowingher，thoughallthetimetheyfanciedthemselvesdoingitoftheirownaccord。Thecowwasbynomeansveryniceinchoosingherpath；sothatsometimestheyhadtoscrambleoverrocks，orwadethroughmudandmire，andallinaterriblybedraggledcondition，andtiredtodeath，andveryhungry，intothebargain。Whatawearybusinessitwas！

Butstilltheykepttrudgingstoutlyforward，andtalkingastheywent。ThestrangersgrewveryfondofCadmus，andresolvednevertoleavehim，buttohelphimbuildacitywhereverthecowmightliedown。Inthecenterofitthereshouldbeanoblepalace，inwhichCadmusmightdwell，andbetheirking，withathrone，acrown，asceptre，apurplerobe，andeverythingelsethatakingoughttohave；forinhimtherewastheroyalblood，andtheroyalheart，andtheheadthatknewhowtorule。

Whiletheyweretalkingoftheseschemes，andbeguilingthetediousnessofthewaywithlayingouttheplanofthenewcity，oneofthecompanyhappenedtolookatthecow。

"Joy！joy！"criedhe，clappinghishands。"Brindleisgoingtoliedown。"

Theyalllooked；and，sureenough，thecowhadstopped，andwasstaringleisurelyabouther，asothercowsdowhenonthepointoflyingdown。Andslowly，slowlydidshereclineherselfonthesoftgrass，firstbendingherforelegs，andthencrouchingherhindones。WhenCadmusandhiscompanionscameupwithher，therewasthebrindledcowtakingherease，chewinghercud，andlookingthemquietlyintheface；asifthiswasjustthespotshehadbeenseekingfor，andasifitwereallamatterofcourse。

"This，then，"saidCadmus，gazingaroundhim，"thisistobemyhome。"

Itwasafertileandlovelyplain，withgreattreesflingingtheirsun-speckledshadowsoverit，andhillsfencingitinfromtheroughweatherAtnogreatdistance，theybeheldarivergleaminginthesunshine。AhomefeelingstoleintotheheartofpoorCadmus。Hewasverygladtoknowthatherehemightawakeinthemorningwithoutthenecessityofputtingonhisdustysandalstotravelfartherandfarther。Thedaysandtheyearswouldpassoverhim，andfindhimstillinthispleasantspot。Ifhecouldhavehadhisbrotherswithhim，andhisfriendThasus，andcouldhaveseenhisdearmotherunderaroofofhisown，hemightherehavebeenhappyafteralltheirdisappointments。Somedayorother，too，hissisterEuropamighthavecomequietlytothedoorofhishome，andsmiledrounduponthefamiliarfaces。But，indeed，sincetherewasnohopeofregainingthefriendsofhisboyhood，oreverseeinghisdearsisteragain，Cadmusresolvedtomakehimselfhappywiththesenewcompanions，whohadgrownsofondofhimwhilefollowingthecow。

"Yes，myfriends，"saidhetothem，"thisistobeourhome。

Herewewillbuildourhabitations。Thebrindledcow，whichhasledushither，willsupplyuswithmilk。Wewillcultivatetheneighboringsoil。andleadaninnocentandhappylife。"

Hiscompanionsjoyfullyassentedtothisplan；and，inthefirstplace，beingveryhungryandthirsty，theylookedaboutthemforthemeansofprovidingacomfortablemeal。Notfarofftheysawatuftoftrees，whichappearedasiftheremightbeaspringofwaterbeneaththem。Theywentthithertofetchsome，leavingCadmusstretchedonthegroundalongwiththebrindledcow；for，nowthathehadfoundaplaceofrest，itseemedasifallthewearinessofhispilgrimage，eversinceheleftKingAgenor’spalace，hadfallenuponhimatonce。Buthisnewfriendshadnotlongbeengone，whenhewassuddenlystartledbycries，shouts，andscreams，andthenoiseofaterriblestruggle，andinthemidstofitall，amostawfulhissing，whichwentrightthroughhisearslikearoughsaw。

Runningtowardsthetuftoftrees，hebeheldtheheadandfieryeyesofanimmenseserpentordragon，withthewidestjawsthateveradragonhad，andavastmanyrowsofhorriblysharpteeth。BeforeCadmuscouldreachthespot，thispitilessreptilehadkilledhispoorcompanions，andwasbusilydevouringthem，makingbutamouthfulofeachman。

Itappearsthatthefountainofwaterwasenchanted，andthatthedragonhadbeensettoguardit，sothatnomortalmighteverquenchhisthirstthere。Astheneighboringinhabitantscarefullyavoidedthespot，itwasnowalongtime（notlessthanahundredyearsorthereabouts）sincethemonsterhadbrokenhisfast；and，aswasnaturalenough，hisappetitehadgrowntobeenormous，andwasnothalfsatisfiedbythepoorpeoplewhomhehadjusteatenup。WhenhecaughtsightofCadmus，therefore，hesetupanotherabominablehiss，andflungbackhisimmensejaws，untilhismouthlookedlikeagreatredcavern，atthefartherendofwhichwereseenthelegsofhislastvictim，whomhehadhardlyhadtimetoswallow。

ButCadmuswassoenragedatthedestructionofhisfriendsthathecaredneitherforthesizeofthedragon’sjawsnorforhishundredsofsharpteeth。Drawinghissword，herushedatthemonster，andflunghimselfrightintohiscavernousmouth。

Thisboldmethodofattackinghimtookthedragonbysurprise；

for，infact，Cadmushadleapedsofardownintohisthroat，thattherowsofterribleteethcouldnotcloseuponhim，nordohimtheleastharmintheworld。Thus，thoughthestrugglewasatremendousone，andthoughthedragonshatteredthetuftoftreesintosmallsplintersbythelashingofhistail，yet，asCadmuswasallthewhileslashingandstabbingathisveryvitals，itwasnotlongbeforethescalywretchbethoughthimselfofslippingaway。Hehadnotgonehislength，however，whenthebraveCadmusgavehimaswordthrustthatfinishedthebattle；andcreepingoutofthegatewayofthecreature’sjaws，therehebeheldhimstillwrigglinghisvastbulk，althoughtherewasnolongerlifeenoughinhimtoharmalittlechild。

ButdonotyousupposethatitmadeCadmussorrowfultothinkofthemelancholyfatewhichhadbefallenthosepoor，friendlypeople，whohadfollowedthecowalongwithhim？Itseemedasifheweredoomedtoloseeverybodywhomheloved，ortoseethemperishinonewayoranother。Andherehewas，afterallhistoilsandtroubles，inasolitaryplace，withnotasinglehumanbeingtohelphimbuildahut。

"WhatshallIdo？"criedhealoud。"Itwerebetterformetohavebeendevouredbythedragon，asmypoorcompanionswere。"

"Cadmus，"saidavoicebutwhetheritcamefromaboveorbelowhim，orwhetheritspokewithinhisownbreast，theyoungmancouldnottell——"Cadmus，pluckoutthedragon’steeth，andplantthemintheearth。"

Thiswasastrangethingtodo；norwasitveryeasy，Ishouldimagine，todigoutallthosedeep-rootedfangsfromthedeaddragon’sjaws。ButCadmustoiledandtugged，andafterpoundingthemonstrousheadalmosttopieceswithagreatstone，heatlastcollectedasmanyteethasmighthavefilledabushelortwo。Thenextthingwastoplantthem。This，likewise，wasatediouspieceofwork，especiallyasCadmuswasalreadyexhaustedwithkillingthedragonandknockinghisheadtopieces，andhadnothingtodigtheearthwith，thatIknowof，unlessitwerehisswordblade。Finally，however，asufficientlylargetracto？groundwasturnedup，andsownwiththisnewkindofseed；althoughhalfofthedragon’steethstillremainedtobeplantedsomeotherday。

Cadmus，quiteoutofbreath，stoodleaninguponhissword，andwonderingwhatwastohappennext。Hehadwaitedbutafewmoments，whenhebegantoseeasight，whichwasasgreatamarvelasthemostmarvelousthingIevertoldyouabout。

Thesunwasshiningslantwiseoverthefield，andshowedallthemoist，darksoiljustlikeanyothernewly-plantedpieceofground。Allatonce，Cadmusfanciedhesawsomethingglistenverybrightly，firstatonespot，thenatanother，andthenatahundredandathousandspotstogether。Soonheperceivedthemtobethesteelheadsofspears，sproutingupeverywherelikesomanystalksofgrain，andcontinuallygrowingtallerandtaller。Nextappearedavastnumberofbrightswordblades，thrustingthemselvesupinthesameway。Amomentafterwards，thewholesurfaceofthegroundwasbrokenbyamultitudeofpolishedbrasshelmets，cominguplikeacropofenormousbeans。Sorapidlydidtheygrow，thatCadmusnowdiscernedthefiercecountenanceofamanbeneatheveryone。Inshort，beforehehadtimetothinkwhatawonderfulaffairitwas，hebeheldanabundantharvestofwhatlookedlikehumanbeings，armedwithhelmetsandbreastplates，shields，swords，andspears；andbeforetheywerewelloutoftheearth，theybrandishedtheirweapons，andclashedthemoneagainstanother，seemingtothink，littlewhileastheyhadyetlived，thattheyhadwastedtoomuchoflifewithoutabattle。Everytoothofthedragonhadproducedoneofthesesonsofdeadlymischief。

Upsproutedalsoagreatmanytrumpeters；andwiththefirstbreaththattheydrew，theyputtheirbrazentrumpetstotheirlips，andsoundedatremendousandear-shatteringblast，sothatthewholespace，justnowsoquietandsolitary，reverberatedwiththeclashandclangofarms，thebrayofwarlikemusic，andtheshoutsofangrymen。Soenrageddidtheyalllook，thatCadmusfullyexpectedthemtoputthewholeworldtothesword。Howfortunatewoulditbeforagreatconqueror，ifhecouldgetabushelofthedragon’steethtosow！

"Cadmus，"saidthesamevoicewhichhehadbeforeheard，"throwastoneintothemidstofthearmedmen。"

SoCadmusseizedalargestone，andflingingitintothemiddleoftheeartharmy，sawitstrikethebreastplateofagiganticandfierce-lookingwarrior。Immediatelyonfeelingtheblow，heseemedtotakeitforgrantedthatsomebodyhadstruckhim；

and，upliftinghisweapon，hesmotehisnextneighborablowthatclefthishelmetasunder，andstretchedhimontheground。

Inaninstant，thosenearestthefallenwarriorbegantostrikeatoneanotherwiththeirswords，andstabwiththeirspears。

Theconfusionspreadwiderandwider。Eachmansmotedownhisbrother，andwashimselfsmittendownbeforehehadtimetoexultinhisvictory。Thetrumpeters，allthewhile，blewtheirblastsshrillerandshriller；eachsoldiershoutedabattlecry，andoftenfellwithitonhislips。Itwasthestrangestspectacleofcauselesswrath，andofmischieffornogoodend，thathadeverbeenwitnessed；but，afterall，itwasneithermorefoolishnormorewickedthanathousandbattlesthathavesincebeenfought，inwhichmenhaveslaintheirbrotherswithjustaslittlereasonasthesechildrenofthedragon’steeth。

Itoughttobeconsidered，too，thatthedragonpeopleweremadefornothingelse；whereasothermortalswereborntoloveandhelponeanother。

Well，thismemorablebattlecontinuedtorageuntilthegroundwasstrewnwithhelmetedheadsthathadbeencutoff。Ofallthethousandsthatbeganthefight，therewereonlyfiveleftstanding。Thesenowrushedfromdifferentpartsofthefield，and，meetinginthemiddleofit，clashedtheirswords，andstruckateachother’sheartsasfiercelyasever。

"Cadmus，"saidthevoiceagain，"bidthosefivewarriorssheathetheirswords。Theywillhelpyoutobuildthecity。"

Withouthesitatinganinstant，Cadmussteppedforward，withtheaspectofakingandaleader，andextendinghisdrawnswordamongstthem，spoketothewarriorsinasternandcommandingvoice。

"Sheatheyourweapons！"saidhe。

Andforthwith，feelingthemselvesboundtoobeyhim，thefiveremainingsonsofthedragon’steethmadehimamilitarysalutewiththeirswords，returnedthemtothescabbards，andstoodbeforeCadmusinarank，eyeinghimassoldierseyetheircaptain，whileawaitingthewordofcommand。

Thesefivemenhadprobablysprungfromthebiggestofthedragon’steeth，andweretheboldestandstrongestofthewholearmy。Theywerealmostgiantsindeed，andhadgoodneedtobeso，elsetheynevercouldhavelivedthroughsoterribleafight。Theystillhadaveryfuriouslook，and，ifCadmushappenedtoglanceaside，wouldglareatoneanother，withfireflashingoutoftheireyes。Itwasstrange，too，toobservehowtheearth，outofwhichtheyhadsolatelygrown，wasincrusted，hereandthere，ontheirbrightbreastplates，andeven，begrimedtheirfaces；justasyoumayhaveseenitclingingtobeetsandcarrots，whenpulledoutoftheirnativesoil。Cadmushardlyknewwhethertoconsiderthemasmen，orsomeoddkindofvegetable；although，onthewhole，heconcludedthattherewashumannatureinthem，becausetheyweresofondoftrumpetsandweapons，andsoreadytoshedblood。

Theylookedhimearnestlyintheface，waitingforhisnextorder，andevidentlydesiringnootheremploymentthantofollowhimfromonebattlefieldtoanother，alloverthewideworld。ButCadmuswaswiserthantheseearth-borncreatures，withthedragon’sfiercenessinthem，andknewbetterhowtousetheirstrengthandhardihood。

"Come！"saidhe。"Youaresturdyfellows。Makeyourselvesuseful！Quarrysomestoneswiththosegreatswordsofyours，andhelpmetobuildacity。"

Thefivesoldiersgrumbledalittle，andmutteredthatitwastheirbusinesstooverthrowcities，nottobuildthemup。ButCadmuslookedatthemwithasterneye，andspoketotheminatoneofauthority，sothattheyknewhimfortheirmaster，andneveragainthoughtofdisobeyinghiscommands。Theysettoworkingoodearnest，andtoiledsodiligently，that，inaveryshorttime，acitybegantomakeitsappearance。Atfirst，tobesure，theworkmenshowedaquarrelsomedisposition。Likesavagebeasts，theywoulddoubtlesshavedoneoneanotheramischief，ifCadmushadnotkeptwatchoverthem，andquelledthefierceoldserpentthatlurkedintheirhearts，whenhesawitgleamingoutoftheirwildeyes。But，incourseoftime，theygotaccustomedtohonestlabor，andhadsenseenoughtofeelthattherewasmoretrueenjoymentinlivingatpeace，anddoinggoodtoone’sneighbor，thaninstrikingathimwithatwo-edgedsword。Itmaynotbetoomuchtohopethattherestofmankindwillbyandbygrowaswiseandpeaceableasthesefiveearth-begrimedwarriors，whosprangfromthedragon’steeth。

Andnowthecitywasbuilt，andtherewasahomeinitforeachoftheworkmen。ButthepalaceofCadmuswasnotyeterected，becausetheyhadleftittillthelast，meaningtointroduceallthenewimprovementsofarchitecture，andmakeitverycommodious，aswellasstatelyandbeautiful。Afterfinishingtherestoftheirlabors，theyallwenttobedbetimes，inordertoriseinthegrayofthemorning，andgetatleastthefoundationoftheedificelaidbeforenightfall。But，whenCadmusarose，andtookhiswaytowardsthesitewherethepalacewastobebuilt，followedbyhisfivesturdyworkmenmarchingallinarow，whatdoyouthinkhesaw？

Whatshoulditbebutthemostmagnificentpalacethathadeverbeenseenintheworld。Itwasbuiltofmarbleandotherbeautifulkindsofstone，androsehighintotheair，withasplendiddomeandaporticoalongthefront，andcarvedpillars，andeverythingelsethatbefittedthehabitationofamightyking。Ithadgrownupoutoftheearthinalmostasshortatimeasithadtakenthearmedhosttospringfromthedragon’steeth；andwhatmadethemattermorestrange，noseedofthisstatelyedificeeverhadbeenplanted。

Whenthefiveworkmenbeheldthedome，withthemorningsunshinemakingitlookgoldenandglorious，theygaveagreatshout。

"LongliveKingCadmus，"theycried，"inhisbeautifulpalace。"

Andthenewking，withhisfivefaithfulfollowersathisheels，shoulderingtheirpickaxesandmarchinginarank（fortheystillhadasoldier-likesortofbehavior，astheirnaturewas），ascendedthepalacesteps。Haltingattheentrance，theygazedthroughalongvistaofloftypillars，thatwererangedfromendtoendofagreathall。Atthefartherextremityofthishall，approachingslowlytowardshim，Cadmusbeheldafemalefigure，wonderfullybeautiful，andadornedwitharoyalrobe，andacrownofdiamondsoverhergoldenringlets，andtherichestnecklacethateveraqueenwore。Hisheartthrilledwithdelight。Hefanciedithislong-lostsisterEuropa，nowgrowntowomanhood，comingtomakehimhappy，andtorepayhimwithhersweetsisterlyaffection，forallthosewearywonderingsinquestofhersinceheleftKingAgenor’spalace——forthetearsthathehadshed，onpartingwithPhoenix，andCilix，andThasus——fortheheart-breakingsthathadmadethewholeworldseemdismaltohimoverhisdearmother’sgrave。

But，asCadmusadvancedtomeetthebeautifulstranger，hesawthatherfeatureswereunknowntohim，although，inthelittletimethatitrequiredtotreadalongthehall，hehadalreadyfeltasympathybetwixthimselfandher。

"No，Cadmus，"saidthesamevoicethathadspokentohiminthefieldofthearmedmen，"thisisnotthatdearsisterEuropawhomyouhavesoughtsofaithfullyalloverthewideworld。

ThisisHarmonia，adaughterofthesky，whoisgivenyouinsteadofsister，andbrothers，andfriend，andmother。Youwillfindallthosedearonesinheralone。"

SoKingCadmusdweltinthepalace，withhisnewfriendHarmonia，andfoundagreatdealofcomfortinhismagnificentabode，butwoulddoubtlesshavefoundasmuch，ifnotmore，inthehumblestcottagebythewayside。Beforemanyyearswentby，therewasagroupofrosylittlechildren（buthowtheycamethitherhasalwaysbeenamysterytome）sportinginthegreathall，andonthemarblestepsofthepalace，andrunningjoyfullytomeetKingCadmuswhenaffairsofstatelefthimatleisuretoplaywiththem。Theycalledhimfather，andQueenHarmoniamother。Thefiveoldsoldiersofthedragon’steethgrewveryfondofthesesmallurchins，andwereneverwearyofshowingthemhowtoshouldersticks，flourishwoodenswords，andmarchinmilitaryorder，blowingapennytrumpet，orbeatinganabominablerub-a-dubuponalittledrum。

ButKingCadmus，lestthereshouldbetoomuchofthedragon’stoothinhischildren’sdisposition，usedtofindtimefromhiskinglydutiestoteachthemtheirABC——whichheinventedfortheirbenefit，andforwhichmanylittlepeople，Iamafraid，arenothalfsogratefultohimastheyoughttobe。

CIRCE’SPALACE。

Someofyouhaveheard，nodoubt，ofthewiseKingUlysses，andhowhewenttothesiegeofTroy，andhow，afterthatfamouscitywastakenandburned，hespenttenlongyearsintryingtogetbackagaintohisownlittlekingdomofIthaca。Atonetimeinthecourseofthiswearyvoyage，hearrivedatanislandthatlookedverygreenandpleasant，butthenameofwhichwasunknowntohim。For，onlyalittlewhilebeforehecamethither，hehadmetwithaterriblehurricane，orratheragreatmanyhurricanesatonce，whichdrovehisfleetofvesselsintoastrangepartofthesea，whereneitherhimselfnoranyofhismarinershadeversailed。Thismisfortunewasentirelyowingtothefoolishcuriosityofhisshipmates，who，whileUlysseslayasleep，haduntiedsomeverybulkyleathernbags，inwhichtheysupposedavaluabletreasuretobeconcealed。Butineachofthesestoutbags，KingAeolus，therulerofthewinds，hadtiedupatempest，andhadgivenittoUlyssestokeepinorderthathemightbesureofafavorablepassagehomewardtoIthaca；andwhenthestringswereloosened，forthrushedthewhistlingblasts，likeairoutofablownbladder，whiteningtheseawithfoam，andscatteringthevesselsnobodycouldtellwhither。

Immediatelyafterescapingfromthisperil，astillgreateronehadbefallenhim。Scuddingbeforethehurricane，hereachedaplace，which，asheafterwardsfound，wascalledLaestrygonia，wheresomemonstrousgiantshadeatenupmanyofhiscompanions，andhadsunkeveryoneofhisvessels，exceptthatinwhichhehimselfsailed，byflinginggreatmassesofrockatthem，fromthecliffsalongtheshore。Aftergoingthroughsuchtroublesasthese，youcannotwonderthatKingUlysseswasgladtomoorhistempest-beatenbarkinaquietcoveofthegreenisland，whichIbeganwithtellingyouabout。Buthehadencounteredsomanydangersfromgiants，andone-eyedCyclops，andmonstersoftheseaandland，thathecouldnothelpdreadingsomemischief，eveninthispleasantandseeminglysolitaryspot。Fortwodays，therefore，thepoorweather-wornvoyagerskeptquiet，andeitherstaidonboardoftheirvessel，ormerelycreptalongunderthecliffsthatborderedtheshore；

andtokeepthemselvesalive，theydugshellfishoutofthesand，andsoughtforanylittlerilloffreshwaterthatmightberunningtowardsthesea。

Beforethetwodayswerespent，theygrewverywearyofthiskindoflife；forthefollowersofKingUlysses，asyouwillfinditimportanttoremember，wereterriblegormandizers，andprettysuretogrumbleiftheymissedtheirregularsmeals，andtheirirregularonesbesides。Theirstockofprovisionswasquiteexhausted，andeventheshellfishbegantogetscarce，sothattheyhadnowtochoosebetweenstarvingtodeathorventuringintotheinterioroftheisland，whereperhapssomehugethree-headeddragon，orotherhorriblemonster，hadhisden。Suchmisshapencreatureswereverynumerousinthosedays；

andnobodyeverexpectedtomakeavoyage，ortakeajourney，withoutrunningmoreorlessriskofbeingdevouredbythem。

ButKingUlysseswasaboldmanaswellasaprudentone；andonthethirdmorninghedeterminedtodiscoverwhatsortofaplacetheislandwas，andwhetheritwerepossibletoobtainasupplyoffoodforthehungrymouthsofhiscompanions。So，takingaspearinhishand，heclamberedtothesummitofacliff，andgazedroundabouthim。Atadistance，towardsthecenteroftheisland，hebeheldthestatelytowersofwhatseemedtobeapalace，builtofsnow-whitemarble，andrisinginthemidstofagroveofloftytrees。Thethickbranchesofthesetreesstretchedacrossthefrontoftheedifice，andmorethanhalfconcealedit，although，fromtheportionwhichhesaw，Ulyssesjudgedittobespaciousandexceedinglybeautiful，andprobablytheresidenceofsomegreatnoblemanorprince。Abluesmokewentcurlingupfromthechimney，andwasalmostthepleasantestpartofthespectacletoUlysses。For，fromtheabundanceofthissmoke，itwasreasonabletoconcludethattherewasagoodfireinthekitchen，andthat，atdinner-time，aplentifulbanquetwouldbeserveduptotheinhabitantsofthepalace，andtowhateverguestsmighthappentodropin。

Withsoagreeableaprospectbeforehim，Ulyssesfanciedthathecouldnotdobetterthangostraighttothepalacegate，andtellthemasterofitthattherewasacrewofpoorshipwreckedmariners，notfaroff，whohadeatennothingforadayortwo，saveafewclamsandoysters，andwouldthereforebethankfulforalittlefood。Andtheprinceornoblemanmustbeaverystingycurmudgeon，tobesure，if，atleast，whenhisowndinnerwasover，hewouldnotbidthemwelcometothebrokenvictualsfromthetable。

Pleasinghimselfwiththisidea，KingUlysseshadmadeafewstepsinthedirectionofthepalace，whentherewasagreattwitteringandchirpingfromthebranchofaneighboringtree。

Amomentafterwards，abirdcameflyingtowardshim，andhoveredintheair，soasalmosttobrushhisfacewithitswings。Itwasaveryprettylittlebird，withpurplewingsandbody，andyellowlegs，andacircleofgoldenfeathersrounditsneck，andonitsheadagoldentuft，whichlookedlikeaking’scrowninminiature。Ulyssestriedtocatchthebird。Butitflutterednimblyoutofhisreach，stillchirpinginapiteoustone，asifitcouldhavetoldalamentablestory，haditonlybeengiftedwithhumanlanguage。Andwhenheattemptedtodriveitaway，thebirdflewnofartherthantheboughofthenexttree，andagaincameflutteringabouthishead，withitsdolefulchirp，assoonasheshowedapurposeofgoingforward。

"Haveyouanythingtotellme，littlebird？"askedUlysses。

Andhewasreadytolistenattentivelytowhateverthebirdmightcommunicate；for，atthesiegeofTroy，andelsewhere，hehadknownsuchoddthingstohappen，thathewouldnothaveconsidereditmuchoutofthecommonrunhadthislittlefeatheredcreaturetalkedasplainlyashimself。

"Peep！"saidthebird，"peep，peep，pe——weep！"Andnothingelsewoulditsay，butonly，"Peep，peep，pe——weep！"inamelancholycadence，andoverandoverandoveragain。AsoftenasUlyssesmovedforward，however，thebirdshowedthegreatestalarm，anddiditsbesttodrivehimback，withtheanxiousflutterofitspurplewings。Itsunaccountablebehaviormadehimconclude，atlast，thatthebirdknewofsomedangerthatawaitedhim，andwhichmustneedsbeveryterrible，beyondallquestion，sinceitmovedevenalittlefowltofeelcompassionforahumanbeing。Soheresolved，forthepresent，toreturntothevessel，andtellhiscompanionswhathehadseen。

Thisappearedtosatisfythebird。AssoonasUlyssesturnedback，itranupthetrunkofatree，andbegantopickinsectsoutofthebarkwithitslong，sharpbill；foritwasakindofwoodpecker，youmustknow，andhadtogetitslivinginthesamemannerasotherbirdsofthatspecies。Buteverylittlewhile，asitpeckedatthebarkofthetree，thepurplebirdbethoughtitselfofsomesecretsorrow，andrepeateditsplaintivenoteof"Peep，peep，pe——weep！"

Onhiswaytotheshore，Ulysseshadthegoodlucktokillalargestagbythrustinghisspearintohisback。Takingitonhisshoulders（forhewasaremarkablystrongman），heluggeditalongwithhim，andflungitdownbeforehishungrycompanions。IhavealreadyhintedtoyouwhatgormandizerssomeofthecomradesofKingUlysseswere。Fromwhatisrelatedofthem，Ireckonthattheirfavoritedietwaspork，andthattheyhadliveduponituntilagoodpartoftheirphysicalsubstancewasswine’sflesh，andtheirtempersanddispositionswereverymuchakintothehog。Adishofvenison，however，wasnounacceptablemealtothem，especiallyafterfeedingsolongonoystersandclams。So，beholdingthedeadstag，theyfeltofitsribs，inaknowingway，andlostnotimeinkindlingafireofdriftwood，tocookit。Therestofthedaywasspentinfeasting；andiftheseenormouseatersgotupfromtableatsunset，itwasonlybecausetheycouldnotscrapeanothermorseloffthepooranimal’sbones。

Thenextmorning，theirappetiteswereassharpasever。TheylookedatUlysses，asiftheyexpectedhimtoclamberupthecliffagain，andcomebackwithanotherfatdeeruponhisshoulders。Insteadofsettingout，however，hesummonedthewholecrewtogether，andtoldthemitwasinvaintohopethathecouldkillastageverydayfortheirdinner，andthereforeitwasadvisabletothinkofsomeothermodeofsatisfyingtheirhunger。

"Now，"saidhe，"whenIwasonthecliff，yesterday，I

discoveredthatthisislandisinhabited。Ataconsiderabledistancefromtheshorestoodamarblepalace，whichappearedtobeveryspacious，andhadagreatdealofsmokecurlingoutofoneofitschimneys。"

"Aha！"mutteredsomeofhiscompanions，smackingtheirlips。

"Thatsmokemusthavecomefromthekitchenfire。Therewasagooddinneronthespit；andnodoubttherewillbeasgoodaoneto-day。"

"But，"continuedthewiseUlysses，"youmustremember，mygoodfriends，ourmisadventureinthecavernofone-eyedPolyphemus，theCyclops！Insteadofhisordinarymilkdiet，didhenoteatuptwoofourcomradesforhissupper，andacouplemoreforbreakfast，andtwoathissupperagain？MethinksIseehimyet，thehideousmonster，scanninguswiththatgreatredeye，inthemiddleofhisforehead，tosingleoutthefattest。Andthen，again，onlyafewdaysago，didwenotfallintothehandsofthekingoftheLaestrygons，andthoseotherhorriblegiants，hissubjects，whodevouredagreatmanymoreofusthanarenowleft？Totellyouthetruth，ifwegotoyonderpalace，therecanbenoquestionthatweshallmakeourappearanceatthedinnertable；butwhetherseatedasguests，orservedupasfood，isapointtobeseriouslyconsidered。"

"Eitherway，"murmuredsomeofthehungriestofthecrew；"itwillbebetterthanstarvation；particularlyifonecouldbesureofbeingwellfattenedbeforehand，anddaintilycookedafterwards。"

"Thatisamatteroftaste，"saidKingUlysses，"and，formyownpart，neitherthemostcarefulfatteningnorthedaintiestofcookerywouldreconcilemetobeingdishedatlast。Myproposalis，therefore，thatwedivideourselvesintotwoequalparties，andascertain，bydrawinglots，whichofthetwoshallgotothepalace，andbegforfoodandassistance。Ifthesecanbeobtained，alliswell。Ifnot，andiftheinhabitantsproveasinhospitableasPolyphemus，ortheLaestrygons，thentherewillbuthalfofusperish，andtheremaindermaysetsailandescape。"

Asnobodyobjectedtothisscheme，Ulyssesproceededtocountthewholeband，andfoundthattherewereforty-sixmen，includinghimself。Hethennumberedofftwenty-twoofthem，andputEurylochus（whowasoneofhischiefofficers，andsecondonlytohimselfinsagacity）attheirhead。Ulyssestookcommandoftheremainingtwenty-twomen，inperson。Then，takingoffhishelmet，heputtwoshellsintoit，ononeofwhichwaswritten，"Go，"andontheother"Stay。"Anotherpersonnowheldthehelmet，whileUlyssesandEurylochusdrewouteachashell；andtheword"Go"wasfoundwrittenonthatwhichEurylochushaddrawn。Inthismanner，itwasdecidedthatUlyssesandhistwenty-twomenweretoremainattheseasideuntiltheotherpartyshouldhavefoundoutwhatsortoftreatmenttheymightexpectatthemysteriouspalace。Astherewasnohelpforit，Eurylochusimmediatelysetforthattheheadofhistwenty-twofollowers，whowentoffinaverymelancholystateofmind，leavingtheirfriendsinhardlybetterspiritsthanthemselves。

Nosoonerhadtheyclamberedupthecliff，thantheydiscernedthetallmarbletowersofthepalace，ascending，aswhiteassnow，outofthelovelygreenshadowofthetreeswhichsurroundedit。Agushofsmokecamefromachimneyintherearoftheedifice。Thisvaporrosehighintheair，and，meetingwithabreeze，waswaftedseaward，andmadetopassovertheheadsofthehungrymariners。Whenpeople’sappetitesarekeen，theyhaveaveryquickscentforanythingsavoryinthewind。

"Thatsmokecomesfromthekitchen！"criedoneofthem，turninguphisnoseashighashecould，andsnuffingeagerly。"And，assureasI’mahalf-starvedvagabond，Ismellroastmeatinit。"

"Pig，roastpig！"saidanother。"Ah，thedaintylittleporker。

Mymouthwatersforhim。"

"Letusmakehaste，"criedtheothers，"orweshallbetoolateforthegoodcheer！"

Butscarcelyhadtheymadehalfadozenstepsfromtheedgeofthecliff，whenabirdcameflutteringtomeetthem。Itwasthesameprettylittlebird，withthepurplewingsandbody，theyellowlegs，thegoldencollarrounditsneck，andthecrown-liketuftuponitshead，whosebehaviorhadsomuchsurprisedUlysses。IthoveredaboutEurylochus，andalmostbrushedhisfacewithitswings。

"Peep，peep，pe——weep！"chirpedthebird。

Soplaintivelyintelligentwasthesound，thatitseemedasifthelittlecreatureweregoingtobreakitsheartwithsomemightysecretthatithadtotell，andonlythisonepoornotetotellitwith。

"Myprettybird，"saidEurylochus——forhewasawaryperson，andletnotokenofharmescapehisnotice——"myprettybird，whosentyouhither？Andwhatisthemessagewhichyoubring？"

"Peep，peep，pe——weep！"repliedthebird，verysorrowfully。

Thenitflewtowardstheedgeofthecliff，andlookedaroundatthem，asifexceedinglyanxiousthattheyshouldreturnwhencetheycame。Eurylochusandafewoftheotherswereinclinedtoturnback。Theycouldnothelpsuspectingthatthepurplebirdmustbeawareofsomethingmischievousthatwouldbefallthematthepalace，andtheknowledgeofwhichaffecteditsairyspiritwithahumansympathyandsorrow。Buttherestofthevoyagers，snuffingupthesmokefromthepalacekitchen，ridiculedtheideaofreturningtothevessel。Oneofthem（morebrutalthanhisfellows，andthemostnotoriousgormandizerinthecrew）saidsuchacruelandwickedthing，thatIwonderthemerethoughtdidnotturnhimintoawildbeast，inshape，ashealreadywasinhisnature。

"Thistroublesomeandimpertinentlittlefowl，"saidhe，"wouldmakeadelicatetitbittobegindinnerwith。Justoneplumpmorsel，meltingawaybetweentheteeth。Ifhecomeswithinmyreach，I’llcatchhim，andgivehimtothepalacecooktoberoastedonaskewer。"

Thewordswerehardlyoutofhismouth，beforethepurplebirdflewaway，crying，"Peep，peep，pe——weep，"moredolorouslythanever。

"Thatbird，"remarkedEurylochus，"knowsmorethanwedoaboutwhatawaitsusatthepalace。"

"Comeon，then，"criedhiscomrades，"andwe’llsoonknowasmuchashedoes。"

Theparty，accordingly，wentonwardthroughthegreenandpleasantwood。Everylittlewhiletheycaughtnewglimpsesofthemarblepalace，whichlookedmoreandmorebeautifulthenearertheyapproachedit。Theysoonenteredabroadpathway，whichseemedtobeveryneatlykept，andwhichwentwindingalong，withstreaksofsunshinefallingacrossitandspecksoflightquiveringamongthedeepestshadowsthatfellfromtheloftytrees。Itwasbordered，too，withagreatmanysweet-smellingflowers，suchasthemarinershadneverseenbefore。Sorichandbeautifultheywere，that，iftheshrubsgrewwildhere，andwerenativeinthesoil，thenthisislandwassurelytheflowergardenofthewholeearth；or，iftransplantedfromsomeotherclime，itmusthavebeenfromtheHappyIslandsthatlaytowardsthegoldensunset。

"Therehasbeenagreatdealofpainsfoolishlywastedontheseflowers，"observedoneofthecompany；andItellyouwhathesaid，thatyoumaykeepinmindwhatgormandizerstheywere。

"Formypart，ifIweretheownerofthepalace，Iwouldbidmygardenercultivatenothingbutsavorypotherbstomakeastuffingforroastmeat，ortoflavorastewwith。"

"Wellsaid！"criedtheothers。"ButI’llwarrantyouthere’sakitchengardenintherearofthepalace。"

Atoneplacetheycametoacrystalspring，andpausedtodrinkatitforwantofliquorwhichtheylikedbetter。Lookingintoitsbosom，theybeheldtheirownfacesdimlyreflected，butsoextravagantlydistortedbythegushandmotionofthewater，thateachoneofthemappearedtobelaughingathimselfandallhiscompanions。Soridiculousweretheseimagesofthemselves，indeed，thattheydidreallylaughaloud，andcouldhardlybegraveagainassoonastheywished。Andaftertheyhaddrank，theygrewstillmerrierthanbefore。

"Ithasatwangofthewinecaskinit，"saidone，smackinghislips。

"Makehaste！"criedhisfellows："we’llfindthewinecaskitselfatthepalace，andthatwillbebetterthanahundredcrystalfountains。"

Thentheyquickenedtheirpace，andcaperedforjoyatthethoughtofthesavorybanquetatwhichtheyhopedtobeguests。

ButEurylochustoldthemthathefeltasifhewerewalkinginadream。

"IfIamreallyawake，"continuedhe，"then，inmyopinion，weareonthepointofmeetingwithsomestrangeradventurethananythatbefellusinthecaveofPolyphemus，oramongthegiganticman-eatingLaestrygons，orinthewindypalaceofKingAeolus，whichstandsonabrazen-walledisland。Thiskindofdreamyfeelingalwayscomesovermebeforeanywonderfuloccurrence。Ifyoutakemyadvice，youwillturnback。"

"No，no，"answeredhiscomrades，snuffingtheair，inwhichthescentfromthepalacekitchenwasnowveryperceptible。"Wewouldnotturnback，thoughwewerecertainthatthekingoftheLaestrygons，asbigasamountain，wouldsitattheheadofthetable，andhugePolyphemus，theone-eyedCyclops，atitsfoot。"

Atlengththeycamewithinfullsightofthepalace，whichprovedtobeverylargeandlofty，withagreatnumberofairypinnaclesuponitsroof。Thoughitwasmidday，andthesunshonebrightlyoverthemarblefront，yetitssnowywhiteness，anditsfantasticstyleofarchitecture，madeitlookunreal，likethefrostworkonawindowpane，orliketheshapesofcastleswhichoneseesamongthecloudsbymoonlight。But，justthen，apuffofwindbroughtdownthesmokeofthekitchenchimneyamongthem，andcausedeachmantosmelltheodorofthedishthathelikedbest；and，afterscentingit，theythoughteverythingelsemoonshine，andnothingrealsavethispalace，andsavethebanquetthatwasevidentlyreadytobeservedupinit。

Sotheyhastenedtheirstepstowardstheportal，buthadnotgothalfwayacrossthewidelawn，whenapackoflions，tigers，andwolvescameboundingtomeetthem。Theterrifiedmarinersstartedback，expectingnobetterfatethantobetorntopiecesanddevoured。Totheirsurpriseandjoy，however，thesewildbeastsmerelycaperedaroundthem，waggingtheirtails，offeringtheirheadstobestrokedandpatted，andbehavingjustlikesomanywell-bredhousedogs，whentheywishtoexpresstheirdelightatmeetingtheirmaster，ortheirmaster’sfriends。ThebiggestlionlickedthefeetofEurylochus；andeveryotherlion，andeverywolfandtiger，singledoutoneofhistwoandtwentyfollowers，whomthebeastfondledasifhelovedhimbetterthanabeefbone。

But，forallthat，Eurylochusimaginedthathesawsomethingfierceandsavageintheireyes；norwouldhehavebeensurprised，atanymoment，tofeelthebiglion’sterribleclaws，ortoseeeachofthetigersmakeadeadlyspring，oreachwolfleapatthethroatofthemanwhomhehadfondled。

Theirmildnessseemedunreal，andamerefreak；buttheirsavagenaturewasastrueastheirteethandclaws。

Nevertheless，themenwentsafelyacrossthelawnwiththewildbeastsfriskingaboutthem，anddoingnomannerofharm；

although，astheymountedthestepsofthepalace，youmightpossiblyhaveheardalowgrowl，particularlyfromthewolves；

asiftheythoughtitapity，afterall，toletthestrangerspasswithoutsomuchastastingwhattheyweremadeof。

Eurylochusandhisfollowersnowpassedunderaloftyportal，andlookedthroughtheopendoorwayintotheinteriorofthepalace。Thefirstthingthattheysawwasaspacioushall，andafountaininthemiddleofit，gushinguptowardstheceilingoutofamarblebasin，andfallingbackintoitwithacontinualplash。Thewaterofthisfountain，asitspoutedupward，wasconstantlytakingnewshapes，notverydistinctly，butplainlyenoughforanimblefancytorecognizewhattheywere。Nowitwastheshapeofamaninalongrobe，thefleecywhitenessofwhichwasmadeoutofthefountain’sspray；nowitwasalion，oratiger，orawolf，oranass，or，asoftenasanythingelse，ahog，wallowinginthemarblebasinasifitwerehissty。Itwaseithermagicorsomeverycuriousmachinerythatcausedthegushingwaterspouttoassumealltheseforms。But，beforethestrangershadtimetolookcloselyatthiswonderfulsight，theirattentionwasdrawnoffbyaverysweetandagreeablesound。Awoman’svoicewassingingmelodiouslyinanotherroomofthepalace，andwithhervoicewasmingledthenoiseofaloom，atwhichshewasprobablyseated，weavingarichtextureofcloth，andintertwiningthehighandlowsweetnessofhervoiceintoarichtissueofharmony。

Byandby，thesongcametoanend；andthen，allatonce，therewereseveralfemininevoices，talkingairilyandcheerfully，withnowandthenamerryburstoflaughter，suchasyoumayalwayshearwhenthreeorfouryoungwomensitatworktogether。

"Whatasweetsongthatwas！"exclaimedoneofthevoyagers。

"Toosweet，indeed，"answeredEurylochus，shakinghishead。

"YetitwasnotsosweetasthesongoftheSirens，thosebird-likedamselswhowantedtotemptusontherocks，sothatourvesselmightbewrecked，andourbonesleftwhiteningalongtheshore。"

"Butjustlistentothepleasantvoicesofthosemaidens，andthatbuzzoftheloom，astheshuttlepassestoandfro，"saidanothercomrade。"Whatadomestic，household，home-likesounditis！Ah，beforethatwearysiegeofTroy，Iusedtohearthebuzzingloomandthewomen’svoicesundermyownroof。ShallI

neverhearthemagain？nortastethosenicelittlesavorydisheswhichmydearestwifeknewhowtoserveup？"

"Tush！weshallfarebetterhere，"saidanother。"Buthowinnocentlythosewomenarebabblingtogether，withoutguessingthatweoverhearthem！Andmarkthatrichestvoiceofall，sopleasantandsofamiliar，butwhichyetseemstohavetheauthorityofamistressamongthem。Letusshowourselvesatonce。Whatharmcantheladyofthepalaceandhermaidensdotomarinersandwarriorslikeus？"

"Remember，"saidEurylochus，"thatitwasayoungmaidenwhobeguiledthreeofourfriendsintothepalaceofthekingoftheLaestrygons，whoateuponeoftheminthetwinklingofaneye。"

Nowarningorpersuasion，however，hadanyeffectonhiscompanions。Theywentuptoapairoffoldingdoorsatthefartherendofthehall，andthrowingthemwideopen，passedintothenextroom。Eurylochus，meanwhile，hadsteppedbehindapillar。Intheshortmomentwhilethefoldingdoorsopenedandclosedagain，hecaughtaglimpseofaverybeautifulwomanrisingfromtheloom，andcomingtomeetthepoorweather-beatenwanderers，withahospitablesmile，andherhandstretchedoutinwelcome。Therewerefourotheryoungwomen，whojoinedtheirhandsanddancedmerrilyforward，makinggesturesofobeisancetothestrangers。Theywereonlylessbeautifulthantheladywhoseemedtobetheirmistress。YetEurylochusfanciedthatoneofthemhadsea-greenhair，andthattheclose-fittingbodiceofasecondlookedlikethebarkofatree，andthatboththeothershadsomethingoddintheiraspect，althoughhecouldnotquitedeterminewhatitwas，inthelittlewhilethathehadtoexaminethem。

Thefoldingdoorsswungquicklyback，andlefthimstandingbehindthepillar，inthesolitudeoftheouterhall。ThereEurylochuswaiteduntilhewasquiteweary，andlistenedeagerlytoeverysound，butwithouthearinganythingthatcouldhelphimtoguesswhathadbecomeofhisfriends。Footsteps，itistrue，seemedtobepassingandrepassing，inotherpartsofthepalace。Thentherewasaclatterofsilverdishes，orgoldenones，whichmadehimimaginearichfeastinasplendidbanquetinghall。Butbyandbyheheardatremendousgruntingandsquealing，andthenasuddenscampering，likethatofsmall，hardhoofsoveramarblefloor，whilethevoicesofthemistressandherfourhandmaidenswerescreamingalltogether，intonesofangerandderision。Eurylochuscouldnotconceivewhathadhappened，unlessadroveofswinehadbrokenintothepalace，attractedbythesmellofthefeast。Chancingtocasthiseyesatthefountain，hesawthatitdidnotshiftitsshape，asformerly，norlookedeitherlikealong-robedman，oralion，atiger，awolf，oranass。Itlookedlikenothingbutahog，whichlaywallowinginthemarblebasin，andfilleditfrombrimtobrim。

ButwemustleavetheprudentEurylochuswaitingintheouterhall，andfollowhisfriendsintotheinnersecrecyofthepalace。Assoonasthebeautifulwomansawthem，shearosefromtheloom，asIhavetoldyou，andcameforward，smiling，andstretchingoutherhand。Shetookthehandoftheforemostamongthem，andbadehimandthewholepartywelcome。

"Youhavebeenlongexpected，mygoodfriends，"saidshe。"I

andmymaidensarewellacquaintedwithyou，althoughyoudonotappeartorecognizeus。Lookatthispieceoftapestry，andjudgeifyourfacesmustnothavebeenfamiliartous。"

Sothevoyagersexaminedthewebofclothwhichthebeautifulwomanhadbeenweavinginherloom；and，totheirvastastonishment，theysawtheirownfiguresperfectlyrepresentedindifferentcoloredthreads。Itwasalife-likepictureoftheirrecentadventures，showingtheminthecaveofPolyphemus，andhowtheyhadputouthisonegreatmoonyeye；

whileinanotherpartofthetapestrytheywereuntyingtheleathernbags，puffedoutwithcontrarywinds；andfartheron，theybeheldthemselvesscamperingawayfromthegigantickingoftheLaestrygons，whohadcaughtoneofthembytheleg。

Lastly，theretheywere，sittingonthedesolateshoreofthisveryisland，hungryanddowncast，andlookingruefullyatthebarebonesofthestagwhichtheydevouredyesterday。Thiswasasfarastheworkhadyetproceeded；butwhenthebeautifulwomanshouldagainsitdownatherloom，shewouldprobablymakeapictureofwhathadsincehappenedtothestrangers，andofwhatwasnowgoingtohappen。

"Yousee，"shesaid，"thatIknowallaboutyourtroubles；andyoucannotdoubtthatIdesiretomakeyouhappyforaslongatimeasyoumayremainwithme。Forthispurpose，myhonoredguests，Ihaveorderedabanquettobeprepared。Fish，fowl，andflesh，roasted，andinlusciousstews，andseasoned，I

trust，toallyourtastes，arereadytobeservedup。Ifyourappetitestellyouitisdinnertime，thencomewithmetothefestalsaloon。"

Atthiskindinvitation，thehungrymarinerswerequiteoverjoyed；andoneofthem，takinguponhimselftobespokesman，assuredtheirhospitablehostessthatanyhourofthedaywasdinnertimewiththem，whenevertheycouldgetfleshtoputinthepot，andfiretoboilitwith。Sothebeautifulwomanledtheway；andthefourmaidens（oneofthemhadsea-greenhair，anotherabodiceofoakbark，athirdsprinkledashowerofwaterdropsfromherfingers’ends，andthefourthhadsomeotheroddity，whichIhaveforgotten），allthesefollowedbehind，andhurriedtheguestsalong，untiltheyenteredamagnificentsaloon。Itwasbuiltinaperfectoval，andlightedfromacrystaldomeabove。Aroundthewallswererangedtwoandtwentythrones，overhungbycanopiesofcrimsonandgold，andprovidedwiththesoftestofcushions，whichweretasselledandfringedwithgoldcord。Eachofthestrangerswasinvitedtositdown；andtheretheywere，twoandtwentystorm-

beatenmariners，inwornandtatteredgarb，sittingontwoandtwentycushionedandcanopiedthrones，sorichandgorgeousthattheproudestmonarchhadnothingmoresplendidinhisstateliesthall。

Thenyoumighthaveseentheguestsnodding，winkingwithoneeye，andleaningfromonethronetoanother，tocommunicatetheirsatisfactioninhoarsewhispers。

"Ourgoodhostesshasmadekingsofusall，"saidone。"Ha！doyousmellthefeast？I’llengageitwillbefittosetbeforetwoandtwentykings。"

"Ihope，"saidanother，"itwillbe，mainly，goodsubstantialjoints，sirloins，spareribs，andhinderquarters，withouttoomanykickshaws。IfIthoughtthegoodladywouldnottakeitamiss，Ishouldcallforafatsliceoffriedbacontobeginwith。"

Ah，thegluttonsandgormandizers！Youseehowitwaswiththem。Intheloftiestseatsofdignity，onroyalthrones，theycouldthinkofnothingbuttheirgreedyappetite，whichwastheportionoftheirnaturethattheysharedwithwolvesandswine；

sothattheyresembledthosevilestofanimalsfarmorethantheydidkings——if，indeed，kingswerewhattheyoughttobe。