第5章

Butthebeautifulwomannowclappedherhands；andimmediatelythereenteredatrainoftwoandtwentyservingman，bringingdishesoftherichestfood，allhotfromthekitchenfire，andsendingupsuchasteamthatithunglikeacloudbelowthecrystaldomeofthesaloon。Anequalnumberofattendantsbroughtgreatflagonsofwine，ofvariouskinds，someofwhichsparkledasitwaspouredout，andwentbubblingdownthethroat；while，ofothersorts，thepurpleliquorwassoclearthatyoucouldseethewroughtfiguresatthebottomofthegoblet。Whiletheservantssuppliedthetwoandtwentyguestswithfoodanddrink，thehostessandherfourmaidenswentfromonethronetoanother，exhortingthemtoeattheirfill，andtoquaffwineabundantly，andthustorecompensethem-selves，atthisonebanquet，forthemanydayswhentheyhadgonewithoutadinner。Butwheneverthemarinerswerenotlookingatthem（whichwasprettyoften，astheylookedchieflyintothebasinsandplatters），thebeautifulwomanandherdamselsturnedaside，andlaughed。Eventheservants，astheykneltdowntopresentthedishes，mightbeseentogrinandsneer，whiletheguestswerehelpingthemselvestotheoffereddainties。

And，onceinawhile，thestrangersseemedtotastesomethingthattheydidnotlike。

"Hereisanoddkindofspiceinthisdish，"saidone。"Ican’tsayitquitesuitsmypalate。Downitgoes，however。"

"Sendagooddraughtofwinedownyourthroat，"saidhiscomradeonthenextthrone。"Thatisthestufftomakethissortofcookeryrelishwell。ThoughImustneedssay，thewinehasaqueertastetoo。ButthemoreIdrinkofit，thebetterI

liketheflavor。"

Whateverlittlefaulttheymightfindwiththedishes，theysatatdinneraprodigiouslylongwhile；anditwouldreallyhavemadeyouashamedtoseehowtheyswilleddowntheliquorandgobbledupthefood。Theysatongoldenthrones，tobesure；

buttheybehavedlikepigsinasty；and，iftheyhadhadtheirwitsaboutthem，theymighthaveguessedthatthiswastheopinionoftheirbeautifulhostessandhermaidens。Itbringsablushintomyfacetoreckonup，inmyownmind，whatmountainsofmeatandpudding，andwhatgallonsofwine，thesetwoandtwentyguzzlersandgormandizersateanddrank。Theyforgotallabouttheirhomes，andtheirwivesandchildren，andallaboutUlysses，andeverythingelse，exceptthisbanquet，atwhichtheywantedtokeepfeastingforever。Butatlengththeybegantogiveover，frommereincapacitytoholdanymore。

"Thatlastbitoffatistoomuchforme，"saidone。

"AndIhavenotroomforanothermorsel，"saidhisnextneighbor，heavingasigh。"Whatapity！Myappetiteisassharpasever。"

Inshort，theyallleftoffeating，andleanedbackontheirthrones，withsuchastupidandhelplessaspectasmadethemridiculoustobehold。Whentheirhostesssawthis，shelaughedaloud；sodidherfourdamsels；sodidthetwoandtwentyservingmenthatborethedishes，andtheirtwoandtwentyfellowsthatpouredoutthewine。Andtheloudertheyalllaughed，themorestupidandhelplessdidthetwoandtwentygormandizerslook。Thenthebeautifulwomantookherstandinthemiddleofthesaloon，andstretchingoutaslenderrod（ithadbeenallthewhileinherhand，althoughtheynevernoticedittillthismoment），sheturneditfromoneguesttoanother，untileachhadfeltitpointedathimself。Beautifulasherfacewas，andthoughtherewasasmileonit，itlookedjustaswickedandmischievousastheugliestserpentthateverwasseen；andfat-wittedasthevoyagershadmadethemselves，theybegantosuspectthattheyhadfallenintothepowerofanevil-mindedenchantress。

"Wretches，"criedshe，"youhaveabusedalady’shospitality；

andinthisprincelysaloonyourbehaviorhasbeensuitedtoahog-pen。Youarealreadyswineineverythingbutthehumanform，whichyoudisgrace，andwhichImyselfshouldbeashamedtokeepamomentlonger，wereyoutoshareitwithme。Butitwillrequireonlytheslightestexerciseofmagictomaketheexteriorconformtothehoggishdisposition。Assumeyourpropershapes，gormandizers，andbegonetothesty！"

Utteringtheselastwords，shewavedherwand；andstampingherfootimperiously，eachoftheguestswasstruckaghastatbeholding，insteadofhiscomradesinhumanshape，oneandtwentyhogssittingonthesamenumberofgoldenthrones。Eachman（ashestillsupposedhimselftobe）essayedtogiveacryofsurprise，butfoundthathecouldmerelygrunt，andthat，inaword，hewasjustsuchanotherbeastashiscompanions。Itlookedsointolerablyabsurdtoseehogsoncushionedthrones，thattheymadehastetowallowdownuponallfours，likeotherswine。Theytriedtogroanandbegformercy，butforthwithemittedthemostawfulgruntingandsquealingthatevercameoutofswinishthroats。Theywouldhavewrungtheirhandsindespair，but，attemptingtodoso，grewallthemoredesperateforseeingthemselvessquattedontheirhams，andpawingtheairwiththeirforetrotters。Dearme！whatpendulousearstheyhad！whatlittleredeyes，halfburiedinfat！andwhatlongsnouts，insteadofGreciannoses！

Butbrutesastheycertainlywere，theyyethadenoughofhumannatureinthemtobeshockedattheirownhideousness；andstillintendingtogroan，theyutteredavilergruntandsquealthanbefore。Soharshandear-piercingitwas，thatyouwouldhavefanciedabutcherwasstickinghisknifeintoeachoftheirthroats，or，attheveryleast，thatsomebodywaspullingeveryhogbyhisfunnylittletwistofatail。

"Begonetoyoursty！"criedtheenchantress，givingthemsomesmartstrokeswithherwand；andthensheturnedtotheservingmen——"Driveouttheseswine，andthrowdownsomeacornsforthemtoeat。"

Thedoorofthesaloonbeingflungopen，thedroveofhogsraninalldirectionssavetherightone，inaccordancewiththeirhoggishperversity，butwerefinallydrivenintothebackyardofthepalace。Itwasasighttobringtearsintoone’seyes（andIhopenoneofyouwillbecruelenoughtolaughatit），toseethepoorcreaturesgosnuffingalong，pickinguphereacabbageleafandthereaturniptop，androotingtheirnosesintheearthforwhatevertheycouldfind。Intheirsty，moreover，theybehavedmorepiggishlythanthepigsthathadbeenbornso；fortheybitandsnortedatoneanother，puttheirfeetinthetrough，andgobbleduptheirvictualsinaridiculoushurry；and，whentherewasnothingmoretobehad，theymadeagreatpileofthemselvesamongsomeuncleanstraw，andfellfastasleep。Iftheyhadanyhumanreasonleft，itwasjustenoughtokeepthemwonderingwhentheyshouldbeslaughtered，andwhatqualityofbacontheyshouldmake。

Meantime，asItoldyoubefore，Eurylochushadwaited，andwaited，andwaited，intheentrancehallofthepalace，withoutbeingabletocomprehendwhathadbefallenhisfriends。Atlast，whentheswinishuproarresoundedthroughthepalace，andwhenhesawtheimageofahoginthemarblebasin，hethoughtitbesttohastenbacktothevessel，andinformthewiseUlyssesofthesemarvelousoccurrences。Soheranasfastashecoulddownthesteps，andneverstoppedtodrawbreathtillhereachedtheshore。

"Whydoyoucomealone？"askedKingUlysses，assoonashesawhim。"Whereareyourtwoandtwentycomrades？"

Atthesequestions，Eurylochusburstintotears。

"Alas！"hecried，"Igreatlyfearthatweshallneverseeoneoftheirfacesagain。"

ThenhetoldUlyssesallthathadhappened，asfarasheknewit，andaddedthathesuspectedthebeautifulwomantobeavileenchantress，andthemarblepalace，magnificentasitlooked，tobeonlyadismalcaverninreality。Asforhiscompanions，hecouldnotimaginewhathadbecomeofthem，unlesstheyhadbeengiventotheswinetobedevouredalive。

Atthisintelligence，allthevoyagersweregreatlyaffrighted。

ButUlysseslostnotimeingirdingonhissword，andhanginghisbowandquiveroverhisshoulders，and。takingaspearinhisrighthand。Whenhisfollowerssawtheirwiseleadermakingthesepreparations，theyinquiredwhitherhewasgoing，andearnestlybesoughthimnottoleavethem。

"Youareourking，"criedthey；"andwhatismore，youarethewisestmaninthewholeworld，andnothingbutyourwisdomandcouragecangetusoutofthisdanger。Ifyoudesertus，andgototheenchantedpalace，youwillsufferthesamefateasourpoorcompanions，andnotasoulofuswilleverseeourdearIthacaagain。"

"AsIamyourking，"answeredUlysses，"andwiserthananyofyou，itisthereforethemoremydutytoseewhathasbefallenourcomrades，andwhetheranythingcanyetbedonetorescuethem。Waitformehereuntiltomorrow。IfIdonotthenreturn，youmusthoistsail，andendeavortofindyourwaytoournativeland。Formypart，Iamanswerableforthefateofthesepoormariners，whohavestoodbymysideinbattle，andbeensooftendrenchedtotheskin，alongwithme，bythesametempestuoussurges。Iwilleitherbringthembackwithme，orperish。"

Hadhisfollowersdared，theywouldhavedetainedhimbyforce。

ButKingUlyssesfrownedsternlyonthem，andshookhisspear，andbadethemstophimattheirperil。Seeinghimsodetermined，theylethimgo，andsatdownonthesand，asdisconsolateasetofpeopleascouldbe，waitingandprayingforhisreturn。

IthappenedtoUlysses，justasbefore，that，whenhehadgoneafewstepsfromtheedgeofthecliff，thepurplebirdcameflutteringtowardshim，crying，"Peep，peep，pe——weep！"andusingalltheartitcouldtopersuadehimtogonofarther。

"Whatmeanyou，littlebird？"criedUlysses。"Youarearrayedlikeakinginpurpleandgold，andwearagoldencrownuponyourhead。IsitbecauseItooamaking，thatyoudesiresoearnestlytospeakwithme？Ifyoucantalkinhumanlanguage，saywhatyouwouldhavemedo。"

"Peep！"answeredthepurplebird，verydolorously。"Peep，peep，pe——we——e！"

Certainlytherelaysomeheavyanguishatthelittlebird’sheart；anditwasasorrowfulpredicamentthathecouldnot，atleast，havetheconsolationoftellingwhatitwas。ButUlysseshadnotimetowasteintryingtogetatthemystery。Hethereforequickenedhispace，andhadgoneagoodwayalongthepleasantwoodpath，whentheremethimayoungmanofverybriskandintelligentaspect，andcladinarathersingulargarb。Heworeashortcloakandasortofcapthatseemedtobefurnishedwithapairofwings；andfromthelightnessofhisstep，youwouldhavesupposedthattheremightlikewisebewingsonhisfeet。Toenablehimtowalkstillbetter（forhewasalwaysononejourneyoranother）hecarriedawingedstaff，aroundwhichtwoserpentswerewrigglingandtwisting。

Inshort，IhavesaidenoughtomakeyouguessthatitwasQuicksilver；andUlysses（whoknewhimofold，andhadlearnedagreatdealofhiswisdomfromhim）recognizedhiminamoment。

"Whitherareyougoinginsuchahurry，wiseUlysses？"askedQuicksilver。"Doyounotknowthatthisislandisenchanted？

Thewickedenchantress（whosenameisCirce，thesisterofKingAetes）dwellsinthemarblepalacewhichyouseeyonderamongthetrees。Byhermagicartsshechangeseveryhumanbeingintothebrute，beast，orfowlwhomhehappensmosttoresemble。"

"Thatlittlebird，whichmetmeattheedgeofthecliff，"

exclaimedUlysses；"washeahumanbeingonce？"

"Yes，"answeredQuicksilver。"Hewasonceaking，namedPicus，andaprettygoodsortofaking，too，onlyrathertooproudofhispurplerobe，andhiscrown，andthegoldenchainabouthisneck；sohewasforcedtotaketheshapeofagaudy-featheredbird。Thelions，andwolves，andtigers，whowillcomerunningtomeetyou，infrontofthepalace，wereformerlyfierceandcruelmen，resemblingintheirdispositionthewildbeastswhoseformstheynowrightfullywear。"

"Andmypoorcompanions，"saidUlysses。"Havetheyundergoneasimilarchange，throughtheartsofthiswickedCirce？"

"Youwellknowwhatgormandizerstheywere，"repliedQuicksilver；androguethathewas，hecouldnothelplaughingatthejoke。"Soyouwillnotbesurprisedtohearthattheyhavealltakentheshapesofswine！IfCircehadneverdoneanythingworse，Ireallyshouldnotthinkhersoverymuchtoblame。"

"ButcanIdonothingtohelpthem？"inquiredUlysses。

"Itwillrequireallyourwisdom，"saidQuicksilver，"andalittleofmyownintothebargain，tokeepyourroyalandsagaciousselffrombeingtransformedintoafox。ButdoasI

bidyou；andthemattermayendbetterthanithasbegun。"

Whilehewasspeaking，Quicksilverseemedtobeinsearchofsomething；hewentstoopingalongtheground，andsoonlaidhishandonalittleplantwithasnow-whiteflower，whichhepluckedandsmeltof。Ulysseshadbeenlookingatthatveryspotonlyjustbefore；anditappearedtohimthattheplanthadburstintofullflowertheinstantwhenQuicksilvertoucheditwithhisfingers。

"Takethisflower，KingUlysses，"saidhe。"Guarditasyoudoyoureyesight；forIcanassureyouitisexceedinglyrareandprecious，andyoumightseekthewholeearthoverwithouteverfindinganotherlikeit。Keepitinyourhand，andsmellofitfrequentlyafteryouenterthepalace，andwhileyouaretalkingwiththeenchantress。Especiallywhensheoffersyoufood，oradraughtofwineoutofhergoblet，becarefultofillyournostrilswiththeflower’sfragrance。Followthesedirections，andyoumaydefyhermagicartstochangeyouintoafox。"

Quicksilverthengavehimsomefurtheradvicehowtobehave，andbiddinghimbeboldandprudent，againassuredhimthat，powerfulasCircewas，hewouldhaveafairprospectofcomingsafelyoutofherenchantedpalace。Afterlisteningattentively，Ulyssesthankedhisgoodfriend，andresumedhisway。Buthehadtakenonlyafewsteps，when，recollectingsomeotherquestionswhichhewishedtoask，heturnedroundagain，andbeheldnobodyonthespotwhereQuicksilverhadstood；forthatwingedcapofhis，andthosewingedshoes，withthehelpofthewingedstaff，hadcarriedhimquicklyoutofsight。

WhenUlyssesreachedthelawn，infrontofthepalace，thelionsandothersavageanimalscameboundingtomeethim，andwouldhavefawneduponhimandlickedhisfeet。Butthewisekingstruckatthemwithhislongspear，andsternlybadethembegoneoutofhispath；forheknewthattheyhadoncebeenbloodthirstymen，andwouldnowtearhimlimbfromlimb，insteadoffawninguponhim，couldtheydothemischiefthatwasintheirhearts。Thewildbeastsyelpedandglaredathim，andstoodatadistance，whileheascendedthepalacesteps。

Onenteringthehall，Ulyssessawthemagicfountaininthecenterofit。Theup-gushingwaterhadnowagaintakentheshapeofamaninalong，white，fleecyrobe，whoappearedtobemakinggesturesofwelcome。Thekinglikewiseheardthenoiseoftheshuttleintheloomandthesweetmelodyofthebeautifulwoman’ssong，andthenthepleasantvoicesofherselfandthefourmaidenstalkingtogether，withpealsofmerrylaughterintermixed。ButUlyssesdidnotwastemuchtimeinlisteningtothelaughterorthesong。Heleanedhisspearagainstoneofthepillarsofthehall，andthen，afterlooseninghisswordinthescabbard，steppedboldlyforward，andthrewthefoldingdoorswideopen。Themomentshebeheldhisstatelyfigurestandinginthedoorway，thebeautifulwomanrosefromtheloom，andrantomeethimwithagladsmilethrowingitssunshineoverherface，andbothherhandsextended。

"Welcome，bravestranger！"criedshe。"Wewereexpectingyou。"

Andthenymphwiththesea-greenhairmadeacourtesydowntotheground，andlikewisebadehimwelcome；sodidhersisterwiththebodiceofoakenbark，andshethatsprinkleddew-dropsfromherfingers’ends，andthefourthonewithsomeodditywhichIcannotremember。AndCirce，asthebeautifulenchantresswascalled（whohaddeludedsomanypersonsthatshedidnotdoubtofbeingabletodeludeUlysses，notimagininghowwisehewas），againaddressedhim：

"Yourcompanions，"saidshe，"havealreadybeenreceivedintomypalace，andhaveenjoyedthehospitabletreatmenttowhichtheproprietyoftheirbehaviorsowellentitlesthem。Ifsuchbeyourpleasure，youshallfirsttakesomerefreshment，andthenjointhemintheelegantapartmentwhichtheynowoccupy。

See，Iandmymaidenshavebeenweavingtheirfiguresintothispieceoftapestry。"

Shepointedtothewebofbeautifully-wovenclothintheloom。

Circeandthefournymphsmusthavebeenverydiligentlyatworksincethearrivalofthemariners；foragreatmanyyardsoftapestryhadnwbeenwrought，inadditiontowhatIbeforedescribed。Inthisnewpart，Ulyssessawhistwoandtwentyfriendsrepresentedassittingoncushionsandcanopiedthrones，greedilydevouringdainties，andquaffingdeepdraughtsofwine。Theworkhadnotyetgoneanyfurther。O，no，indeed。TheenchantresswasfartoocunningtoletUlyssesseethemischiefwhichhermagicartshadsincebroughtuponthegormandizers。

"Asforyourself，valiantsir，"saidCirce，"judgingbythedignityofyouraspect，Itakeyoutobenothinglessthanaking。Deigntofollowme，andyoushallbetreatedasbefitsyourrank。"

SoUlyssesfollowedherintotheovalsaloon，wherehistwoandtwentycomradeshaddevouredthebanquet，whichendedsodisastrouslyforthemselves。But，allthiswhile，hehadheldthesnow-whiteflowerinhishand，andhadconstantlysmeltofitwhileCircewasspeaking；andashecrossedthethresholdofthesaloon，hetookgoodcaretoinhaleseverallonganddeepsnuffsofitsfragrance。Insteadoftwoandtwentythrones，whichhadbeforebeenrangedaroundthewall，therewasnowonlyasinglethrone，inthecenteroftheapartment。Butthiswassurelythemostmagnificentseatthateverakingoranemperorreposedhimselfupon，allmadeofchasedgold，studdedwithpreciousstones，withacushionthatlookedlikeasoftheapoflivingroses，andoverhungbyacanopyofsunlightwhichCirceknewhowtoweaveintodrapery。TheenchantresstookUlyssesbythehand，andmadehimsitdownuponthisdazzlingthrone。Then，clappingherhands，shesummonedthechiefbutler。

"Bringhither，"saidshe，"thegobletthatissetapartforkingstodrinkoutof。Andfillitwiththesamedeliciouswinewhichmyroyalbrother，KingAetes，praisedsohighly，whenhelastvisitedmewithmyfairdaughterMedea。Thatgoodandamiablechild！Wereshenowhere，itwoulddelighthertoseemeofferingthiswinetomyhonoredguest。"

ButUlysses，whilethebutlerwasgoneforthewine，heldthesnow-whiteflowertohisnose。

"Isitawholesomewine？"heasked。

Atthisthefourmaidenstittered；whereupontheenchantresslookedroundatthem，withanaspectofseverity。

"Itisthewholesomestjuicethateverwassqueezedoutofthegrape，"saidshe；"for，insteadofdisguisingaman，asotherliquorisapttodo，itbringshimtohistrueself，andshowshimasheoughttobe。"

Thechiefbutlerlikednothingbetterthantoseepeopleturnedintoswine，ormakinganykindofabeastofthemselves；sohemadehastetobringtheroyalgoblet，filledwithaliquidasbrightasgold，andwhichkeptsparklingupward，andthrowingasunnysprayoverthebrim。But，delightfullyasthewinelooked，itwasmingledwiththemostpotentenchantmentsthatCirceknewhowtoconcoct。Foreverydropofthepuregrapejuicethereweretwodropsofthepuremischief；andthedangerofthethingwas，thatthemischiefmadeittasteallthebetter。Themeresmellofthebubbles，whicheffervescedatthebrim，wasenoughtoturnaman’sbeardintopig’sbristles，ormakealion’sclawsgrowoutofhisfingers，orafox’sbrushbehindhim。

"Drink，mynobleguest，"saidCirce，smiling，asshepresentedhimwiththegoblet。"Youwillfindinthisdraughtasolaceforallyourtroubles。"

KingUlyssestookthegobletwithhisrighthand，whilewithhisleftheheldthesnow-whiteflowertohisnostrils，anddrewinsolongabreaththathislungswerequitefilledwithitspureandsimplefragrance。Then，drinkingoffallthewine，helookedtheenchantresscalmlyintheface。

"Wretch，"criedCirce，givinghimasmartstrokewithherwand，"howdareyoukeepyourhumanshapeamomentlonger！Taketheformofthebrutewhomyoumostresemble。Ifahog，gojoinyourfellow-swineinthesty；ifalion，awolf，atiger，gohowlwiththewildbeastsonthelawn；ifafox，goexerciseyourcraftinstealingpoultry。Thouhastquaffedoffmywine，andcanstbemannolonger。"

But，suchwasthevirtueofthesnow-whiteflower，insteadofwallowingdownfromhisthroneinswinishshape，ortakinganyotherbrutalform，Ulysseslookedevenmoremanlyandking-likethanbefore。Hegavethemagicgobletatoss，andsentitclashingoverthemarblefloortothefarthestendofthesaloon。Then，drawinghissword，heseizedtheenchantressbyherbeautifulringlets，andmadeagestureasifhemeanttostrikeoffherheadatoneblow。

"WickedCirce，"criedhe，inaterriblevoice，"thisswordshallputanendtothyenchantmeets。Thoushaltdie，vilewretch，anddonomoremischiefintheworld，bytemptinghumanbeingsintotheviceswhichmakebeastsofthem。"

ThetoneandcountenanceofUlyssesweresoawful，andhisswordgleamedsobrightly，andseemedtohavesointolerablykeenanedge，thatCircewasalmostkilledbythemerefright，withoutwaitingforablow。Thechiefbutlerscrambledoutofthesaloon，pickingupthegoldengobletashewent；andtheenchantressandthefourmaidensfellontheirknees，wringingtheirhands，andscreamingformercy。

"Spareme！"criedCirce。"Spareme，royalandwiseUlysses。FornowIknowthatthouartheofwhomQuicksilverforewarnedme，themostprudentofmortals，againstwhomnoenchantmentscanprevail。ThouonlycouldsthaveconqueredCirce。Spareme，wisestofmen。Iwillshowtheetruehospitality，andevengivemyselftobethyslave，andthismagnificentpalacetobehenceforththyhome。"

Thefournymphs，meanwhile，weremakingamostpiteousado；andespeciallytheoceannymph，withthesea-greenhair，weptagreatdealofsaltwater，andthefountainnymph，besidesscatteringdewdropsfromherfingers’ends，nearlymeltedawayintotears。ButUlysseswouldnotbepacifieduntilCircehadtakenasolemnoathtochangebackhiscompanions，andasmanyothersasheshoulddirect，fromtheirpresentformsofbeastorbirdintotheirformershapesofmen。

"Ontheseconditions，"saidhe，"Iconsenttospareyourlife。

Otherwiseyoumustdieuponthespot。"

Withadrawnswordhangingoverher，theenchantresswouldreadilyhaveconsentedtodoasmuchgoodasshehadhithertodonemischief，howeverlittleshemightlikesuchemployment。

ShethereforeledUlyssesoutofthebackentranceofthepalace，andshowedhimtheswineintheirsty。Therewereaboutfiftyoftheseuncleanbeastsinthewholeherd；andthoughthegreaterpartwerehogsbybirthandeducation，therewaswonderfullylittledifferencetobeseenbetwixtthemandtheirnewbrethren，whohadsorecentlywornthehumanshape。Tospeakcritically，indeed，thelatterrathercarriedthethingtoexcess，andseemedtomakeitapointtowallowinthemiriestpartofthesty，andotherwisetooutdotheoriginalswineintheirownnaturalvocation。Whenmenonceturntobrutes，thetrifleofman’switthatremainsinthemaddstenfoldtotheirbrutality。

ThecomradesofUlysses，however，hadnotquitelosttheremembranceofhavingformerlystooderect。Whenheapproachedthesty，twoandtwentyenormousswineseparatedthemselvesfromtheherd，andscamperedtowardshim，withsuchachorusofhorriblesquealingasmadehimclapbothhandstohisears。Andyettheydidnotseemtoknowwhattheywanted，norwhethertheyweremerelyhungry，ormiserablefromsomeothercause。Itwascurious，inthemidstoftheirdistress，toobservethemthrustingtheirnosesintothemire，inquestofsomethingtoeat。Thenymphwiththebodiceofoakenbark（shewasthehamadryadofanoak）threwahandfulofacornsamongthem；andthetwoandtwentyhogsscrambledandfoughtfortheprize，asiftheyhadtastednotsomuchasanogginofsourmilkforatwelvemonth。

"Thesemustcertainlybemycomrades，"saidUlysses。"I

recognizetheirdispositions。Theyarehardlyworththetroubleofchangingthemintothehumanformagain。Nevertheless，wewillhaveitdone，lesttheirbadexampleshouldcorrupttheotherhogs。Letthemtaketheiroriginalshapes，therefore，DameCirce，ifyourskillisequaltothetask。Itwillrequiregreatermagic，Itrow，thanitdidtomakeswineofthem。"

SoCircewavedherwandagain，andrepeatedafewmagicwords，atthesoundofwhichthetwoandtwentyhogsprickeduptheirpendulousears。Itwasawondertobeholdhowtheirsnoutsgrewshorterandshorter，andtheirmouths（whichtheyseemedtobesorryfor，becausetheycouldnotgobblesoexpeditiously）

smallerandsmaller，andhowoneandanotherbegantostanduponhishindlegs，andscratchhisnosewithhisforetrotters。Atfirstthespectatorshardlyknewwhethertocallthemhogsormen，butbyandbycametotheconclusionthattheyratherresembledthelatter。Finally，therestoodthetwenty-twocomradesofUlysses，lookingprettymuchthesameaswhentheyleftthevessel。

Youmustnotimagine，however，thattheswinishqualityhadentirelygoneoutofthem。Whenonceitfastensitselfintoaperson’scharacter，itisverydifficultgettingridofit。

Thiswasprovedbythehamadryad，who，beingexceedinglyfondofmischief，threwanotherhandfulofacornsbeforethetwenty-

twonewly-restoredpeople；whereupondowntheywallowedinamoment，andgobbledthemupinaveryshamefulway。Then，recollectingthemselves，theyscrambledtotheirfeet，andlookedmorethancommonlyfoolish。

"Thanks，nobleUlysses！"theycried。"Frombrutebeastsyouhaverestoredustotheconditionofmenagain。"

"Donotputyourselvestothetroubleofthankingme，"saidthewiseking。"IfearIhavedonebutlittleforyou。"

Tosaythetruth，therewasasuspiciouskindofagruntintheirvoices，and，foralongtimeafterwards，theyspokegruffly，andwereapttosetupasqueal。

"Itmustdependonyourownfuturebehavior，"addedUlysses，"whetheryoudonotfindyourwaybacktothesty。"

Atthismoment，thenoteofabirdsoundedfromthebranchofaneighboringtree。

"Peep，peep，pe——wee——e！"

Itwasthepurplebird，who，allthiswhile，hadbeensittingovertheirheads，watchingwhatwasgoingforward，andhopingthatUlysseswouldrememberhowhehaddonehisutmosttokeephimandhisfollowersoutofharm’sway。UlyssesorderedCirceinstantlytomakeakingofthisgoodlittlefowl，andleavehimexactlyasshefoundhim。Hardlywerethewordsspoken，andbeforethebirdhadtimetoutteranother"pe——weep，"KingPicusleapeddownfromtheboughofatree，asmajesticasovereignasanyintheworld，dressedinalongpurplerobeandgorgeousyellowstockings，withasplendidlywroughtcollarabouthisneck，andagoldencrownuponhishead。HeandKingUlyssesexchangedwithoneanotherthecourtesieswhichbelongtotheirelevatedrank。Butfromthattimeforth，KingPicuswasnolongerproudofhiscrownandhistrappingsofroyalty，norofthefactofhisbeingaking；hefelthimselfmerelytheupperservantofhispeople，andthatitmustbehislife-longlabortomakethembetterandhappier。

Asforthelions，tigers，andwolves（thoughCircewouldhaverestoredthemtotheirformershapesathisslightestword），Ulyssesthoughtitadvisablethattheyshouldremainastheynowwere，andthusgivewarningoftheircrueldispositions，insteadofgoingaboutundertheguiseofmen，andpretendingtohumansympathies，whiletheirheartshadtheblood-

thirstinessofwildbeasts。Soheletthemhowlasmuchastheyliked，butnevertroubledhisheadaboutthem。And，wheneverythingwassettledaccordingtohispleasure，hesenttosummontheremainderofhiscomrades，whomhehadleftatthesea-shore。Thesebeingarrived，withtheprudentEurylochusattheirhead，theyallmadethemselvescomfortableinCirce’senchantedpalace，untilquiterestedandrefreshedfromthetoilsandhardshipsoftheirvoyage。

THEPOMEGRANATESEEDS。

MotherCereswasexceedinglyfondofherdaughterProserpina，andseldomlethergoaloneintothefields。But，justatthetimewhenmystorybegins，thegoodladywasverybusy，becauseshehadthecareofthewheat，andtheIndiancorn，andtheryeandbarleyand，inshort，ofthecropsofeverykind，allovertheearth；andastheseasonhadthusfarbeenuncommonlybackward，itwasnecessarytomaketheharvestripenmorespeedilythanusual。Sosheputonherturban，madeofpoppies（akindofflowerwhichshewasalwaysnotedforwearing），andgotintohercardrawnbyapairofwingeddragons，andwasjustreadytosetoff。

"Dearmother，"saidProserpina，"Ishallbeverylonelywhileyouareaway。MayInotrundowntotheshore，andasksomeoftheseanymphstocomeupoutofthewavesandplaywithme？"

"Yes，child，"answeredMotherCeres。"Theseanymphsaregoodcreatures，andwillneverleadyouintoanyharm。Butyoumusttakecarenottostrayawayfromthem，norgowanderingaboutthefieldsbyyourself。Younggirls，withouttheirmotherstotakecareofthem，areveryapttogetintomischief。"

Thechildpromisedtobeasprudentasifshewereagrown-upwoman；and，bythetimethewingeddragonshadwhirledthecaroutofsight，shewasalreadyontheshore，callingtotheseanymphstocomeandplaywithher。TheyknewProserpina’svoice，andwerenotlonginshowingtheirglisteningfacesandsea-greenhairabovethewater，atthebottomofwhichwastheirhome。Theybroughtalongwiththemagreatmanybeautifulshells；andsittingdownonthemoistsand，wherethesurfwavebrokeoverthem，theybusiedthemselvesinmakinganecklace，whichtheyhungroundProserpina’sneck。Bywayofshowinghergratitude，thechildbesoughtthemtogowithheralittlewayintothefields，sothattheymightgatherabundanceofflowers，withwhichshewouldmakeeachofherkindplaymatesawreath。

"Ono，dearProserpina，"criedtheseanymphs；"wedarenotgowithyouuponthedryland。Weareapttogrowfaint，unlessateverybreathwecansnuffupthesaltbreezeoftheocean。Anddon’tyouseehowcarefulwearetoletthesurfwavebreakoveruseverymomentortwo，soastokeepourselvescomfortablymoist？Ifitwerenotforthat，weshouldlooklikebunchesofuprootedseaweeddriedinthesun。

"Itisagreatpity，"saidProserpina。"Butdoyouwaitformehere，andIwillrunandgathermyapronfullofflowers，andbebackagainbeforethesurfwavehasbrokententimesoveryou。Ilongtomakeyousomewreathsthatshallbeaslovelyasthisnecklaceofmanycoloredshells。"

"Wewillwait，then，"answeredtheseanymphs。"Butwhileyouaregone，wemayaswellliedownonabankofsoftspongeunderthewater。Theairto-dayisalittletoodryforourcomfort。Butwewillpopupourheadseveryfewminutestoseeifyouarecoming。"

TheyoungProserpinaranquicklytoaspotwhere，onlythedaybefore，shehadseenagreatmanyflowers。These，however，werenowalittlepasttheirbloom；andwishingtogiveherfriendsthefreshestandloveliestblossoms，shestrayedfartherintothefields，andfoundsomethatmadeherscreamwithdelight。

Neverhadshemetwithsuchexquisiteflowersbefore——violetssolargeandfragrant——roseswithsorichanddelicateablush——suchsuperbhyacinthsandsucharomaticpinks——andmanyothers，someofwhichseemedtobeofnewshapesandcolors。

Twoorthreetimes，moreover，shecouldnothelpthinkingthatatuftofmostsplendidflowershadsuddenlysproutedoutoftheearthbeforeherveryeyes，asifonpurposetotemptherafewstepsfarther。Proserpina’sapronwassoonfilled，andbrimmingoverwithdelightfulblossoms。Shewasonthepointofturningbackinordertorejointheseanymphs，andsitwiththemonthemoistsands，alltwiningwreathstogether。But，alittlefartheron，whatshouldshebehold？Itwasalargeshrub，completelycoveredwiththemostmagnificentflowersintheworld。

"Thedarlings！"criedProserpina；andthenshethoughttoherself，"Iwaslookingatthatspotonlyamomentago。HowstrangeitisthatIdidnotseetheflowers！"

Thenearersheapproachedtheshrub，themoreattractiveitlooked，untilshecamequiteclosetoit；andthen，althoughitsbeautywasricherthanwordscantell，shehardlyknewwhethertolikeitornot。Itboreaboveahundredflowersofthemostbrillianthues，andeachdifferentfromtheothers，butallhavingakindofresemblanceamongthemselves，whichshowedthemtobesisterblossoms。Buttherewasadeep，glossylusterontheleavesoftheshrub，andonthepetalsoftheflowers，thatmadeProserpinadoubtwhethertheymightnotbepoisonous。Totellyouthetruth，foolishasitmayseem，shewashalfinclinedtoturnroundandrunaway。

"WhatasillychildIam！"thoughtshe，takingcourage。"Itisreallythemostbeautifulshrubthateversprangoutoftheearth。Iwillpullitupbytheroots，andcarryithome，andplantitinmymother’sgarden。"

Holdingupherapronfullofflowerswithherlefthand，Proserpinaseizedthelargeshrubwiththeother，andpulled，andpulled，butwashardlyabletoloosenthesoilaboutitsroots。Whatadeep-rootedplantitwas！Againthegirlpulledwithallhermight，andobservedthattheearthbegantostirandcracktosomedistancearoundthestem。Shegaveanotherpull，butrelaxedherhold，fancyingthattherewasarumblingsoundrightbeneathherfeet。Didtherootsextenddownintosomeenchantedcavern？Thenlaughingatherselfforsochildishanotion，shemadeanothereffort：upcametheshrub，andProserpinastaggeredback，holdingthestemtriumphantlyinherhand，andgazingatthedeepholewhichitsrootshadleftinthesoil。

Muchtoherastonishment，thisholekeptspreadingwiderandwider，andgrowingdeeperanddeeper，untilitreallyseemedtohavenobottom；andallthewhile，therecamearumblingnoiseoutofitsdepths，louderandlouder，andnearerandnearer，andsoundinglikethetrampofhorses’hoofsandtherattlingofwheels。Toomuchfrightenedtorunaway，shestoodstraininghereyesintothiswonderfulcavity，andsoonsawateamoffoursablehorses，snortingsmokeoutoftheirnostrils，andtearingtheirwayoutoftheearthwithasplendidgoldenchariotwhirlingattheirheels。Theyleapedoutofthebottomlesshole，chariotandall；andtheretheywere，tossingtheirblackmanes，flourishingtheirblacktails，andcurvettingwitheveryoneoftheirhoofsoffthegroundatonce，closebythespotwhereProserpinastood。Inthechariotsatthefigureofaman，richlydressed，withacrownonhishead，allflamingwithdiamonds。Hewasofanobleaspect，andratherhandsome，butlookedsullenanddiscontented；andhekeptrubbinghiseyesandshadingthemwithhishand，asifhedidnotliveenoughinthesunshinetobeveryfondofitslight。

AssoonasthispersonagesawtheaffrightedProserpina，hebeckonedhertocomealittlenearer。

"Donotbeafraid，"saidhe，withascheerfulasmileasheknewhowtoputon。"Come！Willyounotliketoridealittlewaywithme，inmybeautifulchariot？"

ButProserpinawassoalarmed，thatshewishedfornothingbuttogetoutofhisreach。Andnowonder。Thestrangerdidnotlookremarkablygood-natured，inspiteofhissmile；andasforhisvoice，itstonesweredeepandstern，andsoundedasmuchliketherumblingofanearthquakeundergroundthananythingelse。Asisalwaysthecasewithchildrenintrouble，Proserpina’sfirstthoughtwastocallforhermother。

"Mother，MotherCeres！"criedshe，allinatremble。"Comequicklyandsaveme。"

Buthervoicewastoofaintforhermothertohear。Indeed，itismostprobablethatCereswasthenathousandmilesoff，makingthecorngrowinsomefardistantcountry。Norcouldithaveavailedherpoordaughter，evenhadshebeenwithinhearing；fornosoonerdidProserpinabegintocryout，thanthestrangerleapedtotheground，caughtthechildinhisarms，andagainmountedthechariot，shookthereins，andshoutedtothefourblackhorsestosetoff。Theyimmediatelybrokeintososwiftagallop，thatitseemedratherlikeflyingthroughtheairthanrunningalongtheearth。Inamoment，ProserpinalostsightofthepleasantvaleofEnna，inwhichshehadalwaysdwelt。Anotherinstant，andeventhesummitofMountAetnahadbecomesoblueinthedistance，thatshecouldscarcelydistinguishitfromthesmokethatgushedoutofitscrater。Butstillthepoorchildscreamed，andscatteredherapronfullofflowersalongtheway，andleftalongcrytrailingbehindthechariot；andmanymothers，towhoseearsitcame，ranquicklytoseeifanymischiefhadbefallentheirchildren。ButMotherCereswasagreatwayoff，andcouldnothearthecry。

Astheyrodeon，thestrangerdidhisbesttosootheher。

"Whyshouldyoubesofrightened，myprettychild？"saidhe，tryingtosoftenhisroughvoice。"Ipromisenottodoyouanyharm。What！youhavebeengatheringflowers？Waittillwecometomypalace，andIwillgiveyouagardenfullofprettierflowersthanthose，allmadeofpearls，anddiamonds，andrubies。CanyouguesswhoIam？TheycallmynamePluto；andI

amthekingofdiamondsandallotherpreciousstones。Everyatomofthegoldandsilverthatliesundertheearthbelongstome，tosaynothingofthecopperandiron，andofthecoalmines，whichsupplymewithabundanceoffuel。Doyouseethissplendidcrownuponmyhead？Youmayhaveitforaplaything。

O，weshallbeverygoodfriends，andyouwillfindmemoreagreeablethanyouexpect，whenoncewegetoutofthistroublesomesunshine。"

"Letmegohome！"criedProserpina。"Letmegohome！"

"Myhomeisbetterthanyourmother’s，"answeredKingPluto。

"Itisapalace，allmadeofgold，withcrystalwindows；andbecausethereislittleornosunshinethereabouts，theapartmentsareilluminatedwithdiamondlamps。Youneversawanythinghalfsomagnificentasmythrone。Ifyoulike，youmaysitdownonit，andbemylittlequeen，andIwillsitonthefootstool。"

"Idon’tcareforgoldenpalacesandthrones，"sobbedProserpina。"Oh，mymother，mymother！Carrymebacktomymother！"

ButKingPluto，ashecalledhimself，onlyshoutedtohissteedstogofaster。

"Praydonotbefoolish，Proserpina，"saidhe，inratherasullentone。"Iofferyoumypalaceandmycrown，andalltherichesthatareundertheearth；andyoutreatmeasifIweredoingyouaninjury。Theonethingwhichmypalaceneedsisamerrylittlemaid，torunupstairsanddown，andcheeruptheroomswithhersmile。AndthisiswhatyoumustdoforKingPluto。"

"Never！"answeredProserpina，lookingasmiserableasshecould。"Ishallneversmileagaintillyousetmedownatmymother’sdoor。"

Butshemightjustaswellhavetalkedtothewindthatwhistledpastthem，forPlutourgedonhishorses，andwentfasterthanever。Proserpinacontinuedtocryout，andscreamedsolongandsoloudlythatherpoorlittlevoicewasalmostscreamedaway；andwhenitwasnothingbutawhisper，shehappenedtocasthereyesoveragreatbroadfieldofwavinggrain——andwhomdoyouthinkshesaw？Who，butMotherCeres，makingthecorngrow，andtoobusytonoticethegoldenchariotasitwentrattlingalong。Thechildmusteredallherstrength，andgaveonemorescream，butwasoutofsightbeforeCereshadtimetoturnherhead。

KingPlutohadtakenaroadwhichnowbegantogrowexcessivelygloomy。Itwasborderedoneachsidewithrocksandprecipices，betweenwhichtherumblingofthechariotwheelswasreverberatedwithanoiselikerollingthunder。Thetreesandbushesthatgrewinthecrevicesoftherockshadverydismalfoliage；andbyandby，althoughitwashardlynoon，theairbecameobscuredwithagraytwilight。Theblackhorseshadrushedalongsoswiftly，thattheywerealreadybeyondthelimitsofthesunshine。Buttheduskieritgrew，themoredidPluto’svisageassumeanairofsatisfaction。Afterall，hewasnotanill-lookingperson，especiallywhenheleftofftwistinghisfeaturesintoasmilethatdidnotbelongtothem。

Proserpinapeepedathisfacethroughthegatheringdusk，andhopedthathemightnotbesoverywickedassheatfirstthoughthim。

"Ah，thistwilightistrulyrefreshing，"saidKingPluto，"afterbeingsotormentedwiththatuglyandimpertinentglareofthesun。Howmuchmoreagreeableislamplightortorchlight，moreparticularlywhenreflectedfromdiamonds！Itwillbeamagnificentsight，whenwegettomypalace。"

"Isitmuchfarther？"askedProserpina。"AndwillyoucarrymebackwhenIhaveseenit？"

"Wewilltalkofthatbyandby，"answeredPluto。"Wearejustenteringmydominions。Doyouseethattallgatewaybeforeus？

Whenwepassthosegates，weareathome。Andthereliesmyfaithfulmastiffatthethreshold。Cerberus！Cerberus！Comehither，mygooddog！"

Sosaying，Plutopulledatthereins，andstoppedthechariotrightbetweenthetall，massivepillarsofthegateway。Themastiffofwhichhehadspokengotupfromthethreshold，andstoodonhishinderlegs，soastoputhisforepawsonthechariotwheel。But，mystars，whatastrangedogitwas！Why，hewasabig，rough，ugly-lookingmonster，withthreeseparateheads，andeachofthemfiercerthanthetwoothers；butfierceastheywere，KingPlutopattedthemall。Heseemedasfondofhisthree-headeddogasifithadbeenasweetlittlespaniel，withsilkenearsandcurlyhair。Cerberus，ontheotherhand，wasevidentlyrejoicedtoseehismaster，andexpressedhisattachment，asotherdogsdo，bywagginghistailatagreatrate。Proserpina’seyesbeingdrawntoitbyitsbriskmotion，shesawthatthistailwasneithermorenorlessthanalivedragon，withfieryeyes，andfangsthathadaverypoisonousaspect。Andwhilethethree-headedCerberuswasfawningsolovinglyonKingPluto，therewasthedragontailwaggingagainstitswill，andlookingascrossandill-naturedasyoucanimagine，onitsownseparateaccount。

"Willthedogbiteme？"askedProserpina，shrinkingclosertoPluto。"Whatanuglycreatureheis！"

"O，neverfear，"answeredhercompanion。"Heneverharmspeople，unlesstheytrytoentermydominionswithoutbeingsentfor，ortogetawaywhenIwishtokeepthemhere。Down，Cerberus！Now，myprettyProserpina，wewilldriveon。"

Onwentthechariot，andKingPlutoseemedgreatlypleasedtofindhimselfoncemoreinhisownkingdom。HedrewProserpina’sattentiontotherichveinsofgoldthatweretobeseenamongtherocks，andpointedtoseveralplaceswhereonestrokeofapickaxewouldloosenabushelofdiamonds。Allalongtheroad，indeed，thereweresparklinggems，whichwouldhavebeenofinestimablevalueaboveground，butwhichherewerereckonedofthemeanersortandhardlyworthabeggar’sstoopingfor。

Notfarfromthegateway，theycametoabridge，whichseemedtobebuiltofiron。Plutostoppedthechariot，andbadeProserpinalookatthestreamwhichwasglidingsolazilybeneathit。Neverinherlifehadshebeheldsotorpid，soblack，somuddy-lookingastream；itswatersreflectednoimagesofanythingthatwasonthebanks，anditmovedassluggishlyasifithadquiteforgottenwhichwayitoughttoflow，andhadratherstagnatethanfloweitheronewayortheother。

"ThisistheRiverLethe，"observedKingPluto。"Isitnotaverypleasantstream？"

"Ithinkitaverydismalone，"answeredProserpina。

"Itsuitsmytaste，however，"answeredPluto，whowasapttobesullenwhenanybodydisagreedwithhim。"Atallevents，itswaterhasoneexcellentquality；forasingledraughtofitmakespeopleforgeteverycareandsorrowthathashithertotormentedthem。Onlysipalittleofit，mydearProserpina，andyouwillinstantlyceasetogrieveforyourmother，andwillhavenothinginyourmemorythatcanpreventyourbeingperfectlyhappyinmypalace。Iwillsendforsome，inagoldengoblet，themomentwearrive。"

"O，no，no，no！"criedProserpina，weepingafresh。"Ihadathousandtimesratherbemiserablewithrememberingmymother，thanbehappyinforgettingher。Thatdear，dearmother！I

never，neverwillforgether。"

"Weshallsee，"saidKingPluto。"Youdonotknowwhatfinetimeswewillhaveinmypalace。Herewearejustattheportal。Thesepillarsaresolidgold，Iassureyou。"

Healightedfromthechariot，andtakingProserpinainhisarms，carriedherupaloftyflightofstepsintothegreathallofthepalace。Itwassplendidlyilluminatedbymeansoflargepreciousstones，ofvarioushues，whichseemedtoburnlikesomanylamps，andglowedwithahundred-foldradianceallthroughthevastapartment。Andyettherewasakindofgloominthemidstofthisenchantedlight；norwasthereasingleobjectinthehallthatwasreallyagreeabletobehold，exceptthelittleProserpinaherself，alovelychild，withoneearthlyflowerwhichshehadnotletfallfromherhand。ItismyopinionthatevenKingPlutohadneverbeenhappyinhispalace，andthatthiswasthetruereasonwhyhehadstolenawayProserpina，inorderthathemighthavesomethingtolove，insteadofcheatinghisheartanylongerwiththistiresomemagnificence。And，thoughhepretendedtodislikethesunshineoftheupperworld，yettheeffectofthechild’spresence，bedimmedasshewasbyhertears，wasasifafaintandwaterysunbeamhadsomehoworotherfounditswayintotheenchantedhall。

Plutonowsummonedhisdomestics，andbadethemlosenotimeinpreparingamostsumptuousbanquet，andaboveallthings，nottofailofsettingagoldenbeakerofthewaterofLethebyProserpina’splate。