And helmsman overboard, to drift at the mercy Of rising seas. Three nights I rode the waters, Three nights of storm, and from the crest of a wave, On the fourth morning, sighted Italy, I was swimming to land, I had almost reached it, heavy In soaking garments; my cramped fingers struggled To grasp the top of the rock, when barbarous people, Ignorant men, mistaking me for booty, Struck me with swords; waves hold me now, or winds Roll me along the shore. By the light of heaven, The lovely air, I beg you, by your father, Your hope of young Iulus, bring me rescue Out of these evils, my unconquered leader! Cast over my body earth--you have the power-- Return to Velia’s harbor,--or there may be Some other way--your mother is a goddess, Else how would you be crossing this great river, This Stygian swamp?--help a poor fellow, take me Over the water with you, give a dead man At least a place to rest in.” But the Sibyl Broke in upon him sternly:--“Palinurus, Whence comes this mad desire? No man, unburied, May see the Stygian waters, or Cocytus, The Furies’ dreadful river; no man may come Unbidden to this bank. Give up the hope That fate is changed by praying, but hear this, A little comfort in your harsh misfortune: Those neighboring people will make expiation, Driven by signs from heaven, through their cities And through their countryside; they will build a tomb, Thereto bring offerings yearly, and the place Shall take its name from you, Cape Palinurus.” So he was comforted a little, finding Some happiness in the promise.