Homer · tr. Bryant, 1871

Book X · Aeolus and the Laestrigonians · Scene 3 of 6

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Odysseus admits fault, begs help

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The text

5“We landed on the coast, and to our barques
Brought water. Then my men prepared a meal
Beside the fleet; and having tasted food
And wine, I took a herald and a friend,
And, hastening to the sumptuous palace-halls
Of Aeolus, I found him with his wife
And children banqueting. We sat us down
Upon the threshold at the palace-doors,
And they were all astonished, and inquired: —

6“ ‘Why are you here? What god your enemy
Pursues you, O Odysseus! whom we sent
So well prepared to reach your native land,
Your home, or any place that pleased you most?’

7“They spoke, and sorrowfully I replied: —
‘The fault is all with my unthinking crew
And my own luckless slumber. Yet, my friends,
Repair the mischief, for you have the power.’

Homer, The Odyssey, translated by William Cullen Bryant, 1871. Public domain.