down to the water, crowned on their summit by a wall of brass. Here
they remained a whole month, and were hospitably entertained by Æolus,
revelling in the abundance of his wealthy house, and whiling away the
time with music, and dance, and song, and brave stories of the Trojan
war. And when they departed he gave Odysseus a leathern bag, tied with
a silver cord, in which were confined all the winds that blow, except
only the good west wind, which he left free to blow behind them and
speed them on their way.

So for nine days and nights they sailed without let or hindrance, and
on the tenth they came in sight of Ithaca, which they approached so
near that they saw the smoke and flame of the beacon-fires along the
coast. Odysseus was worn out with watching, for during all the voyage
he had not closed his eyes, but had sat the whole time with his hand
on the sheet, and suffered no one to relieve him. But now within sight
of his native land he sank down in utter weariness, and fell into a
deep sleep.

That fatal moment of weakness led to a long train of disasters. His
men had long gazed with curious and jealous eyes at the mysterious
wallet, which they supposed to be full of gold and silver. As long as
Odysseus was on his guard they durst not give utterance to their
thoughts; but when they saw him overtaken by slumber they began to
murmur among themselves. And thus they spake one to another: "Behold
how this man is honoured and beloved whithersoever he goes! He left
Troy-land laden with booty, and thereto hath Æolus added this rich
treasure, while we must come home with empty hands. Go to, let us have
sight of all this gold and silver."

So waking folly prevailed over slumbering prudence. In a moment the