30 HOMER
Forthwith I march on board, and bid my crew With me their captain the tall bark ascend, And the stern-cables vigorously undo. .They to their several tasks with zeal attend ; 220
Then, sitting, to the oars' long sweep they bend, And smite in unison the billows hoar. Right quickly to the continent we wend ; And lo ! a huge deep cave our eyes before, Shaded about with laurels, very near the shore. 225
And all around the flocks and herds recline, Parked by a rough-hewn fence of mountain stone, All overhung with oak and towery pine. There dwelt the monstrous keeper all alone, Who in his breast no kindred ties did own, 230
But far apart, ungodly ways pursued ; Sight not resembling human flesh and bone. But like a mountain-column, crowned with wood, Reigning above the hills in awful solitude.
Then of my comrades I the rest command 235
To guard the well-benched ship, remaining there. But I the while with my twelve bravest land. And of dark wine an ample goatskin bear, Which Maron, venerable priest and seer Of lord Apollo, the divine defence 240
Of Ismarus, because we held him dear. Son of Euanthes, gave us to take thence, AVhom with his wife and child we saved in reverence.
Deep-foliaged grove his dwelling doth enfold, Phoebus Apollo's, who there keeps his shrine. 245 Rich gifts he gave me — talents seven of gold Which curiously was wrought and well did shine,
