A Feast on the Shore

15“ ‘My friends, we will not, wretched as we are,
Go down to Hades’ realm before our time.
While food and wine are yet within the hold
Of our good galley, let us not forget
Our daily meals, and famine-stricken pine.’

16“I spoke; they all obeyed, and at my word
Came forth, and standing by the barren deep
Admired the stag, for he was huge of bulk;
And when their eyes were tired with wondering,
My people washed their hands, and soon had made
A noble banquet ready. All that day
Till set of sun we sat and feasted there
Upon the abundant meat and delicate wine;
And when the sun went down, and darkness came,
We slept upon the shore. But when Eos,
The rosy-fingered child of dawn, looked forth,
I called a council of my men and spoke: —