Eurylochus Balks Again

44“I spoke; and cheerfully my men obeyed,
Save that Eurylochus alone essayed
To hold them back, and spoke these winged words: —

45“ ‘Ah, whither are we going, wretched ones?
Are you so eager for an evil fate,
That you must go where Circe dwells, who waits
To turn us into lions, swine, or wolves,
Forced to remain and guard her spacious house?
So was it with the Cyclops, when our friends
Went with this daring chief to his abode,
And perished there through his foolhardiness.’

46“He spoke; and then I thought to draw my sword
From my stout thigh, and with the trenchant blade
Strike off his head and let it fall to earth,
Though he were my near kinsman; yet the rest
Restrained me, each one speaking kindly words: —

47“ ‘Nay, foster-child of Zeus! if you consent,
This man shall stay behind and with the ship,
And he shall guard the ship, but lead us you
To where the sacred halls of Circe stand.’