“Throned in omnipotence, supremest Jove Tempers the fates of human race above; By the firm sanction of his sovereign will, Alternate are decreed our good and ill. To feastful mirth be this white hour assign’d. And sweet discourse, the banquet of the mind Myself, assisting in the social joy, Will tell Ulysses’ bold exploit in Troy, Sole witness of the deed I now declare Speak you (who saw) his wonders in the war. “Seam’d o’er with wounds, which his own sabre gave, In the vile habit of a village slave, The foe deceived, he pass’d the tented plain, In Troy to mingle with the hostile train. In this attire secure from searching eyes, Till happily piercing through the dark disguise, The chief I challenged; he, whose practised wit Knew all the serpent mazes of deceit, Eludes my search; but when his form I view’d Fresh from the bath, with fragrant oils renew’d, His limbs in military purple dress’d, Each brightening grace the genuine Greek confess’d. A previous pledge of sacred faith obtain’d, Till he the lines and Argive fleet regain’d, To keep his stay conceal’d; the chief declared The plans of war against the town prepared. Exploring then the secrets of the state, He learn’d what best might urge the Dardan fate; And, safe returning to the Grecian host, Sent many a shade to Pluto’s dreary coast. Loud grief resounded through the towers of Troy, But my pleased bosom glow’d with secret joy: For then, with dire remorse and conscious shame I view’d the effects of that disastrous flame, Which, kindled by the imperious queen of love, Constrain’d me from my native realm to rove: And oft in bitterness of soul deplored My absent daughter and my dearer lord; Admired among the first of human race, For every gift of mind and manly grace.”