"So we entered the cave, and judged that it was the dwelling of
some rich and skilful shepherd. For within there were pens for the
young of the sheep and of the goats, divided all according to
their age, and there were baskets full of cheeses, and full
milkpails ranged along the wall. But the Cyclops himself was away
in the pastures. Then my companions besought me that I would
depart, taking with me, if I would, a store of cheeses and some of
the lambs and of the kids. But I would not, for I wished to see
what manner of host this strange shepherd might be, and, if it
might be, to take a gift from his hand, such as is the due of
strangers. Verily, his coming was not to be a joy to my company.

"It was evening when the Cyclops came home, a mighty giant, very
tall of stature, and when we saw him we fled into the cave in
great fear. On his shoulder he bore a vast bundle of pine logs for
his fire, and threw them down outside the cave great crash, and
drove the flocks within, and closed the entrance with a huge rock,
which twenty wagons and more could not bear. Then he milked the
ewes and all the she-goats, and half of the milk he curdled for
cheese, and half he set ready for himself, when he should sup.
Next he kindled a fire with the pine logs, and the flame lighted
up all the cave, showing to him both me and my comrades.

"'Who are ye?' cried Polyphemus [Footnote: Pol-y-phe'-mus.], for
that was the giant's name. 'Are ye traders or pirates?'

"I shuddered at the dreadful voice and shape, but bare me bravely,
and answered: 'We are no pirates, mighty sir, but Greeks sailing
back from Troy, and subjects of the great King Agamemnon, whose
fame is spread from one end of heaven to the other. And we are