_Thereafter to far-off Olympus he Passed from the island set with many a tree, But I to Circe’s house; and as I went Many a thing my heart revolved in me._ _Then by the fair-tressed Goddess’ portals nigh I stood and called her, and she heard my cry, And issuing forth at once flung open wide The glittering doors and called me in: and I_ _Followed as one who goes his doom to meet: Forthwith she led me in, and on a seat Fair, carven, silver-studded, set me down And laid a footstool underneath my feet._[9] Below her courtesy an evil intent was lurking, as Odysseus knew too well; and presently she served to him the same poisoned drink with which she had bewitched his men. But the plant of moly that Hermes had given him made him proof against her drugs. The wine failed of its effect, and Circe, angrily taking her wand, smote Odysseus with it, crying: “Begone now to the sty and couch among your band.” _So said she: but the sharp sword from my thigh I drew, and leapt at Circe suddenly As purposing to slay her; and she shrieked Aloud, and under it ran in anigh,_ _And caught my knees, and winged words anew She uttered: “Who and whence of men are you? Where is the city of your ancestry? I marvel greatly how this cup I brew_ _“You drink, and yet its sorcery have withstood: For unbewitched has none of mortal brood Drunk of it yet or let it pass his lips; But your breast holds against bewitchment good._ _“Wandering Odysseus truly you must be, Who in his swift black ship across the sea Ever the golden-wanded Shining One Said should from Troy returning visit me.”_[9] [Illustration: CIRCE _Patten Wilson_ ] Her mischievous purpose faded on the instant, and she became full of fawning admiration and wonder. Her malice was changed; but something even more dangerous took its place. She began with sweet words to smooth away Odysseus’s anger, fondling him and begging him to remain with her and be her husband. But Odysseus remembered the warning of the god, and at first he would not yield. He was sullen and suspicious, and would not answer her gently until she had sworn to release his men. _Thereat immediately Out through the palace, rod in hand, went she, And opened the sty-doors and drave them out Resembling swine of nine years old to see._ _Thereafter all in front of her stood they, While she passed down along their whole array, Smearing another drug on each of them; And off their limbs the bristles fell away,_