men they were that
dwelt there, took one of his twelve ships and bade row to the land.
There was a great hill sloping to the shore, and there rose up here and
there a smoke from the caves where the Cyclopes dwelt apart, holding no
converse with each other, for they were a rude and savage folk, but
ruled each his own household, not caring for others. Now very close to
the shore was one of these caves, very huge and deep, with laurels round
about the mouth, and in front a fold with walls built of rough stone,
and shaded by tall oaks and pines. So Ulysses chose out of the crew the
twelve bravest, and bade the rest guard the ship, and went to see what
manner of dwelling this was, and who abode there. He had his sword by
his side, and on his shoulder a mighty skin of wine, sweet smelling and
strong, with which he might win the heart of some fierce savage, should
he chance to meet with such, as indeed his prudent heart forecasted that
he might.

So they entered the cave, and judged that it was the dwelling of some
rich and skilful shepherd. For within there were pens for the young of
the sheep and of the goats, divided all according to their age, and
there were baskets full of cheeses, and full milkpails ranged along the
wall. But the Cyclops himself was away in the pastures. Then the
companions of Ulysses besought him that he would depart, taking with
him, if he would, a store of cheeses and sundry of the lambs and of the
kids. But he would not, for he wished to see, after his wont, what
manner of host this strange shepherd might be. And truly he saw it to
his cost!

It was evening when the Cyclops came home, a mighty giant, twenty feet
in height, or more. On his shoulder he bore a vast bundle of pine logs
for his fire, and threw them down outside the cave with a great crash,
and drove the flocks within, and closed the entrance with a huge rock,
which twenty wagons and more could not bear. Then he milked the ewes and
all the she goats, and half of the milk he curdled for cheese, and half
he set ready for himself, when he should sup. Next he kindled a fire
with the pine logs, and the flame lighted up all the cave, showing him
Ulysses and his comrades.

"Who are ye?" cried Polyphemus, for that was the giant's name. "Are ye
traders, or, haply, pirates?"

For in those days it was not counted shame to be called a pirate.

Ulysses shuddered at the dreadful voice and shape, but bore him bravely,
and answered, "We are no pira