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。
