\"Why，’tisaverywonderfulaffair，\"answeredoneofhisnewcompanions。\"Iamprettywellacquaintedwiththewaysofcattle，andIneverknewacow，ofherownaccord，togosofarwithoutstopping。Ifmylegswillletme，I’llneverleavefollowingthebeasttillsheliesdown。\"
\"NorI！\"saidasecond。
\"NorI！\"criedathird。\"Ifshegoesahundredmilesfarther，I
amdeterminedtoseetheendofit。\"
Thesecretofitwas，youmustknow，thatthecowwasanenchantedcow，andthat，withouttheirbeingconsciousofit，shethrewsomeofherenchantmentovereverybodythattooksomuchashalfadozenstepsbehindher。Theycouldnotpossiblyhelpfollowingher，thoughallthetimetheyfanciedthemselvesdoingitoftheirownaccord。Thecowwasbynomeansveryniceinchoosingherpath；sothatsometimestheyhadtoscrambleoverrocks，orwadethroughmudandmire，andallinaterriblybedraggledcondition，andtiredtodeath，andveryhungry，intothebargain。Whatawearybusinessitwas！
Butstilltheykepttrudgingstoutlyforward，andtalkingastheywent。ThestrangersgrewveryfondofCadmus，andresolvednevertoleavehim，buttohelphimbuildacitywhereverthecowmightliedown。Inthecenterofitthereshouldbeanoblepalace，inwhichCadmusmightdwell，andbetheirking，withathrone，acrown，asceptre，apurplerobe，andeverythingelsethatakingoughttohave；forinhimtherewastheroyalblood，andtheroyalheart，andtheheadthatknewhowtorule。
Whiletheyweretalkingoftheseschemes，andbeguilingthetediousnessofthewaywithlayingouttheplanofthenewcity，oneofthecompanyhappenedtolookatthecow。
\"Joy！joy！\"criedhe，clappinghishands。\"Brindleisgoingtoliedown。\"
Theyalllooked；and，sureenough，thecowhadstopped，andwasstaringleisurelyabouther，asothercowsdowhenonthepointoflyingdown。Andslowly，slowlydidshereclineherselfonthesoftgrass，firstbendingherforelegs，andthencrouchingherhindones。WhenCadmusandhiscompanionscameupwithher，therewasthebrindledcowtakingherease，chewinghercud，andlookingthemquietlyintheface；asifthiswasjustthespotshehadbeenseekingfor，andasifitwereallamatterofcourse。
\"This，then，\"saidCadmus，gazingaroundhim，\"thisistobemyhome。\"
Itwasafertileandlovelyplain，withgreattreesflingingtheirsun-speckledshadowsoverit，andhillsfencingitinfromtheroughweatherAtnogreatdistance，theybeheldarivergleaminginthesunshine。AhomefeelingstoleintotheheartofpoorCadmus。Hewasverygladtoknowthatherehemightawakeinthemorningwithoutthenecessityofputtingonhisdustysandalstotravelfartherandfarther。Thedaysandtheyearswouldpassoverhim，andfindhimstillinthispleasantspot。Ifhecouldhavehadhisbrotherswithhim，andhisfriendThasus，andcouldhaveseenhisdearmotherunderaroofofhisown，hemightherehavebeenhappyafteralltheirdisappointments。Somedayorother，too，hissisterEuropamighthavecomequietlytothedoorofhishome，andsmiledrounduponthefamiliarfaces。But，indeed，sincetherewasnohopeofregainingthefriendsofhisboyhood，oreverseeinghisdearsisteragain，Cadmusresolvedtomakehimselfhappywiththesenewcompanions，whohadgrownsofondofhimwhilefollowingthecow。
\"Yes，myfriends，\"saidhetothem，\"thisistobeourhome。
Herewewillbuildourhabitations。Thebrindledcow，whichhasledushither，willsupplyuswithmilk。Wewillcultivatetheneighboringsoil。andleadaninnocentandhappylife。\"
Hiscompanionsjoyfullyassentedtothisplan；and，inthefirstplace，beingveryhungryandthirsty，theylookedaboutthemforthemeansofprovidingacomfortablemeal。Notfarofftheysawatuftoftrees，whichappearedasiftheremightbeaspringofwaterbeneaththem。Theywentthithertofetchsome，leavingCadmusstretchedonthegroundalongwiththebrindledcow；for，nowthathehadfoundaplaceofrest，itseemedasifallthewearinessofhispilgrimage，eversinceheleftKingAgenor’spalace，hadfallenuponhimatonce。Buthisnewfriendshadnotlongbeengone，whenhewassuddenlystartledbycries，shouts，andscreams，andthenoiseofaterriblestruggle，andinthemidstofitall，amostawfulhissing，whichwentrightthroughhisearslikearoughsaw。
Runningtowardsthetuftoftrees，hebeheldtheheadandfieryeyesofanimmenseserpentordragon，withthewidestjawsthateveradragonhad，andavastmanyrowsofhorriblysharpteeth。BeforeCadmuscouldreachthespot，thispitilessreptilehadkilledhispoorcompanions，andwasbusilydevouringthem，makingbutamouthfulofeachman。
Itappearsthatthefountainofwaterwasenchanted，andthatthedragonhadbeensettoguardit，sothatnomortalmighteverquenchhisthirstthere。Astheneighboringinhabitantscarefullyavoidedthespot，itwasnowalongtime（notlessthanahundredyearsorthereabouts）sincethemonsterhadbrokenhisfast；and，aswasnaturalenough，hisappetitehadgrowntobeenormous，andwasnothalfsatisfiedbythepoorpeoplewhomhehadjusteatenup。WhenhecaughtsightofCadmus，therefore，hesetupanotherabominablehiss，andflungbackhisimmensejaws，untilhismouthlookedlikeagreatredcavern，atthefartherendofwhichwereseenthelegsofhislastvictim，whomhehadhardlyhadtimetoswallow。
ButCadmuswassoenragedatthedestructionofhisfriendsthathecaredneitherforthesizeofthedragon’sjawsnorforhishundredsofsharpteeth。Drawinghissword，herushedatthemonster，andflunghimselfrightintohiscavernousmouth。
Thisboldmethodofattackinghimtookthedragonbysurprise；
for，infact，Cadmushadleapedsofardownintohisthroat，thattherowsofterribleteethcouldnotcloseuponhim，nordohimtheleastharmintheworld。Thus，thoughthestrugglewasatremendousone，andthoughthedragonshatteredthetuftoftreesintosmallsplintersbythelashingofhistail，yet，asCadmuswasallthewhileslashingandstabbingathisveryvitals，itwasnotlongbeforethescalywretchbethoughthimselfofslippingaway。Hehadnotgonehislength，however，whenthebraveCadmusgavehimaswordthrustthatfinishedthebattle；andcreepingoutofthegatewayofthecreature’sjaws，therehebeheldhimstillwrigglinghisvastbulk，althoughtherewasnolongerlifeenoughinhimtoharmalittlechild。
ButdonotyousupposethatitmadeCadmussorrowfultothinkofthemelancholyfatewhichhadbefallenthosepoor，friendlypeople，whohadfollowedthecowalongwithhim？Itseemedasifheweredoomedtoloseeverybodywhomheloved，ortoseethemperishinonewayoranother。Andherehewas，afterallhistoilsandtroubles，inasolitaryplace，withnotasinglehumanbeingtohelphimbuildahut。
\"WhatshallIdo？\"criedhealoud。\"Itwerebetterformetohavebeendevouredbythedragon，asmypoorcompanionswere。\"
\"Cadmus，\"saidavoicebutwhetheritcamefromaboveorbelowhim，orwhetheritspokewithinhisownbreast，theyoungmancouldnottell——\"Cadmus，pluckoutthedragon’steeth，andplantthemintheearth。\"
Thiswasastrangethingtodo；norwasitveryeasy，Ishouldimagine，todigoutallthosedeep-rootedfangsfromthedeaddragon’sjaws。ButCadmustoiledandtugged，andafterpoundingthemonstrousheadalmosttopieceswithagreatstone，heatlastcollectedasmanyteethasmighthavefilledabushelortwo。Thenextthingwastoplantthem。This，likewise，wasatediouspieceofwork，especiallyasCadmuswasalreadyexhaustedwithkillingthedragonandknockinghisheadtopieces，andhadnothingtodigtheearthwith，thatIknowof，unlessitwerehisswordblade。Finally，however，asufficientlylargetracto？groundwasturnedup，andsownwiththisnewkindofseed；althoughhalfofthedragon’steethstillremainedtobeplantedsomeotherday。
Cadmus，quiteoutofbreath，stoodleaninguponhissword，andwonderingwhatwastohappennext。Hehadwaitedbutafewmoments，whenhebegantoseeasight，whichwasasgreatamarvelasthemostmarvelousthingIevertoldyouabout。
Thesunwasshiningslantwiseoverthefield，andshowedallthemoist，darksoiljustlikeanyothernewly-plantedpieceofground。Allatonce，Cadmusfanciedhesawsomethingglistenverybrightly，firstatonespot，thenatanother，andthenatahundredandathousandspotstogether。Soonheperceivedthemtobethesteelheadsofspears，sproutingupeverywherelikesomanystalksofgrain，andcontinuallygrowingtallerandtaller。Nextappearedavastnumberofbrightswordblades，thrustingthemselvesupinthesameway。Amomentafterwards，thewholesurfaceofthegroundwasbrokenbyamultitudeofpolishedbrasshelmets，cominguplikeacropofenormousbeans。Sorapidlydidtheygrow，thatCadmusnowdiscernedthefiercecountenanceofamanbeneatheveryone。Inshort，beforehehadtimetothinkwhatawonderfulaffairitwas，hebeheldanabundantharvestofwhatlookedlikehumanbeings，armedwithhelmetsandbreastplates，shields，swords，andspears；andbeforetheywerewelloutoftheearth，theybrandishedtheirweapons，andclashedthemoneagainstanother，seemingtothink，littlewhileastheyhadyetlived，thattheyhadwastedtoomuchoflifewithoutabattle。Everytoothofthedragonhadproducedoneofthesesonsofdeadlymischief。
Upsproutedalsoagreatmanytrumpeters；andwiththefirstbreaththattheydrew，theyputtheirbrazentrumpetstotheirlips，andsoundedatremendousandear-shatteringblast，sothatthewholespace，justnowsoquietandsolitary，reverberatedwiththeclashandclangofarms，thebrayofwarlikemusic，andtheshoutsofangrymen。Soenrageddidtheyalllook，thatCadmusfullyexpectedthemtoputthewholeworldtothesword。Howfortunatewoulditbeforagreatconqueror，ifhecouldgetabushelofthedragon’steethtosow！
\"Cadmus，\"saidthesamevoicewhichhehadbeforeheard，\"throwastoneintothemidstofthearmedmen。\"
SoCadmusseizedalargestone，andflingingitintothemiddleoftheeartharmy，sawitstrikethebreastplateofagiganticandfierce-lookingwarrior。Immediatelyonfeelingtheblow，heseemedtotakeitforgrantedthatsomebodyhadstruckhim；
and，upliftinghisweapon，hesmotehisnextneighborablowthatclefthishelmetasunder，andstretchedhimontheground。
Inaninstant，thosenearestthefallenwarriorbegantostrikeatoneanotherwiththeirswords，andstabwiththeirspears。
Theconfusionspreadwiderandwider。Eachmansmotedownhisbrother，andwashimselfsmittendownbeforehehadtimetoexultinhisvictory。Thetrumpeters，allthewhile，blewtheirblastsshrillerandshriller；eachsoldiershoutedabattlecry，andoftenfellwithitonhislips。Itwasthestrangestspectacleofcauselesswrath，andofmischieffornogoodend，thathadeverbeenwitnessed；but，afterall，itwasneithermorefoolishnormorewickedthanathousandbattlesthathavesincebeenfought，inwhichmenhaveslaintheirbrotherswithjustaslittlereasonasthesechildrenofthedragon’steeth。
Itoughttobeconsidered，too，thatthedragonpeopleweremadefornothingelse；whereasothermortalswereborntoloveandhelponeanother。
Well，thismemorablebattlecontinuedtorageuntilthegroundwasstrewnwithhelmetedheadsthathadbeencutoff。Ofallthethousandsthatbeganthefight，therewereonlyfiveleftstanding。Thesenowrushedfromdifferentpartsofthefield，and，meetinginthemiddleofit，clashedtheirswords，andstruckateachother’sheartsasfiercelyasever。
\"Cadmus，\"saidthevoiceagain，\"bidthosefivewarriorssheathetheirswords。Theywillhelpyoutobuildthecity。\"
Withouthesitatinganinstant，Cadmussteppedforward，withtheaspectofakingandaleader，andextendinghisdrawnswordamongstthem，spoketothewarriorsinasternandcommandingvoice。
\"Sheatheyourweapons！\"saidhe。
Andforthwith，feelingthemselvesboundtoobeyhim，thefiveremainingsonsofthedragon’steethmadehimamilitarysalutewiththeirswords，returnedthemtothescabbards，andstoodbeforeCadmusinarank，eyeinghimassoldierseyetheircaptain，whileawaitingthewordofcommand。
Thesefivemenhadprobablysprungfromthebiggestofthedragon’steeth，andweretheboldestandstrongestofthewholearmy。Theywerealmostgiantsindeed，andhadgoodneedtobeso，elsetheynevercouldhavelivedthroughsoterribleafight。Theystillhadaveryfuriouslook，and，ifCadmushappenedtoglanceaside，wouldglareatoneanother，withfireflashingoutoftheireyes。Itwasstrange，too，toobservehowtheearth，outofwhichtheyhadsolatelygrown，wasincrusted，hereandthere，ontheirbrightbreastplates，andeven，begrimedtheirfaces；justasyoumayhaveseenitclingingtobeetsandcarrots，whenpulledoutoftheirnativesoil。Cadmushardlyknewwhethertoconsiderthemasmen，orsomeoddkindofvegetable；although，onthewhole，heconcludedthattherewashumannatureinthem，becausetheyweresofondoftrumpetsandweapons，andsoreadytoshedblood。
Theylookedhimearnestlyintheface，waitingforhisnextorder，andevidentlydesiringnootheremploymentthantofollowhimfromonebattlefieldtoanother，alloverthewideworld。ButCadmuswaswiserthantheseearth-borncreatures，withthedragon’sfiercenessinthem，andknewbetterhowtousetheirstrengthandhardihood。
\"Come！\"saidhe。\"Youaresturdyfellows。Makeyourselvesuseful！Quarrysomestoneswiththosegreatswordsofyours，andhelpmetobuildacity。\"
Thefivesoldiersgrumbledalittle，andmutteredthatitwastheirbusinesstooverthrowcities，nottobuildthemup。ButCadmuslookedatthemwithasterneye，andspoketotheminatoneofauthority，sothattheyknewhimfortheirmaster，andneveragainthoughtofdisobeyinghiscommands。Theysettoworkingoodearnest，andtoiledsodiligently，that，inaveryshorttime，acitybegantomakeitsappearance。Atfirst，tobesure，theworkmenshowedaquarrelsomedisposition。Likesavagebeasts，theywoulddoubtlesshavedoneoneanotheramischief，ifCadmushadnotkeptwatchoverthem，andquelledthefierceoldserpentthatlurkedintheirhearts，whenhesawitgleamingoutoftheirwildeyes。But，incourseoftime，theygotaccustomedtohonestlabor，andhadsenseenoughtofeelthattherewasmoretrueenjoymentinlivingatpeace，anddoinggoodtoone’sneighbor，thaninstrikingathimwithatwo-edgedsword。Itmaynotbetoomuchtohopethattherestofmankindwillbyandbygrowaswiseandpeaceableasthesefiveearth-begrimedwarriors，whosprangfromthedragon’steeth。
Andnowthecitywasbuilt，andtherewasahomeinitforeachoftheworkmen。ButthepalaceofCadmuswasnotyeterected，becausetheyhadleftittillthelast，meaningtointroduceallthenewimprovementsofarchitecture，andmakeitverycommodious，aswellasstatelyandbeautiful。Afterfinishingtherestoftheirlabors，theyallwenttobedbetimes，inordertoriseinthegrayofthemorning，andgetatleastthefoundationoftheedificelaidbeforenightfall。But，whenCadmusarose，andtookhiswaytowardsthesitewherethepalacewastobebuilt，followedbyhisfivesturdyworkmenmarchingallinarow，whatdoyouthinkhesaw？
Whatshoulditbebutthemostmagnificentpalacethathadeverbeenseenintheworld。Itwasbuiltofmarbleandotherbeautifulkindsofstone，androsehighintotheair，withasplendiddomeandaporticoalongthefront，andcarvedpillars，andeverythingelsethatbefittedthehabitationofamightyking。Ithadgrownupoutoftheearthinalmostasshortatimeasithadtakenthearmedhosttospringfromthedragon’steeth；andwhatmadethemattermorestrange，noseedofthisstatelyedificeeverhadbeenplanted。
Whenthefiveworkmenbeheldthedome，withthemorningsunshinemakingitlookgoldenandglorious，theygaveagreatshout。
\"LongliveKingCadmus，\"theycried，\"inhisbeautifulpalace。\"
Andthenewking，withhisfivefaithfulfollowersathisheels，shoulderingtheirpickaxesandmarchinginarank（fortheystillhadasoldier-likesortofbehavior，astheirnaturewas），ascendedthepalacesteps。Haltingattheentrance，theygazedthroughalongvistaofloftypillars，thatwererangedfromendtoendofagreathall。Atthefartherextremityofthishall，approachingslowlytowardshim，Cadmusbeheldafemalefigure，wonderfullybeautiful，andadornedwitharoyalrobe，andacrownofdiamondsoverhergoldenringlets，andtherichestnecklacethateveraqueenwore。Hisheartthrilledwithdelight。Hefanciedithislong-lostsisterEuropa，nowgrowntowomanhood，comingtomakehimhappy，andtorepayhimwithhersweetsisterlyaffection，forallthosewearywonderingsinquestofhersinceheleftKingAgenor’spalace——forthetearsthathehadshed，onpartingwithPhoenix，andCilix，andThasus——fortheheart-breakingsthathadmadethewholeworldseemdismaltohimoverhisdearmother’sgrave。
But，asCadmusadvancedtomeetthebeautifulstranger，hesawthatherfeatureswereunknowntohim，although，inthelittletimethatitrequiredtotreadalongthehall，hehadalreadyfeltasympathybetwixthimselfandher。
\"No，Cadmus，\"saidthesamevoicethathadspokentohiminthefieldofthearmedmen，\"thisisnotthatdearsisterEuropawhomyouhavesoughtsofaithfullyalloverthewideworld。
ThisisHarmonia，adaughterofthesky，whoisgivenyouinsteadofsister，andbrothers，andfriend，andmother。Youwillfindallthosedearonesinheralone。\"
SoKingCadmusdweltinthepalace，withhisnewfriendHarmonia，andfoundagreatdealofcomfortinhismagnificentabode，butwoulddoubtlesshavefoundasmuch，ifnotmore，inthehumblestcottagebythewayside。Beforemanyyearswentby，therewasagroupofrosylittlechildren（buthowtheycamethitherhasalwaysbeenamysterytome）sportinginthegreathall，andonthemarblestepsofthepalace，andrunningjoyfullytomeetKingCadmuswhenaffairsofstatelefthimatleisuretoplaywiththem。Theycalledhimfather，andQueenHarmoniamother。Thefiveoldsoldiersofthedragon’steethgrewveryfondofthesesmallurchins，andwereneverwearyofshowingthemhowtoshouldersticks，flourishwoodenswords，andmarchinmilitaryorder，blowingapennytrumpet，orbeatinganabominablerub-a-dubuponalittledrum。
ButKingCadmus，lestthereshouldbetoomuchofthedragon’stoothinhischildren’sdisposition，usedtofindtimefromhiskinglydutiestoteachthemtheirABC——whichheinventedfortheirbenefit，andforwhichmanylittlepeople，Iamafraid，arenothalfsogratefultohimastheyoughttobe。
CIRCE’SPALACE。
Someofyouhaveheard，nodoubt，ofthewiseKingUlysses，andhowhewenttothesiegeofTroy，andhow，afterthatfamouscitywastakenandburned，hespenttenlongyearsintryingtogetbackagaintohisownlittlekingdomofIthaca。Atonetimeinthecourseofthiswearyvoyage，hearrivedatanislandthatlookedverygreenandpleasant，butthenameofwhichwasunknowntohim。For，onlyalittlewhilebeforehecamethither，hehadmetwithaterriblehurricane，orratheragreatmanyhurricanesatonce，whichdrovehisfleetofvesselsintoastrangepartofthesea，whereneitherhimselfnoranyofhismarinershadeversailed。Thismisfortunewasentirelyowingtothefoolishcuriosityofhisshipmates，who，whileUlysseslayasleep，haduntiedsomeverybulkyleathernbags，inwhichtheysupposedavaluabletreasuretobeconcealed。Butineachofthesestoutbags，KingAeolus，therulerofthewinds，hadtiedupatempest，andhadgivenittoUlyssestokeepinorderthathemightbesureofafavorablepassagehomewardtoIthaca；andwhenthestringswereloosened，forthrushedthewhistlingblasts，likeairoutofablownbladder，whiteningtheseawithfoam，andscatteringthevesselsnobodycouldtellwhither。
Immediatelyafterescapingfromthisperil，astillgreateronehadbefallenhim。Scuddingbeforethehurricane，hereachedaplace，which，asheafterwardsfound，wascalledLaestrygonia，wheresomemonstrousgiantshadeatenupmanyofhiscompanions，andhadsunkeveryoneofhisvessels，exceptthatinwhichhehimselfsailed，byflinginggreatmassesofrockatthem，fromthecliffsalongtheshore。Aftergoingthroughsuchtroublesasthese，youcannotwonderthatKingUlysseswasgladtomoorhistempest-beatenbarkinaquietcoveofthegreenisland，whichIbeganwithtellingyouabout。Buthehadencounteredsomanydangersfromgiants，andone-eyedCyclops，andmonstersoftheseaandland，thathecouldnothelpdreadingsomemischief，eveninthispleasantandseeminglysolitaryspot。Fortwodays，therefore，thepoorweather-wornvoyagerskeptquiet，andeitherstaidonboardoftheirvessel，ormerelycreptalongunderthecliffsthatborderedtheshore；
andtokeepthemselvesalive，theydugshellfishoutofthesand，andsoughtforanylittlerilloffreshwaterthatmightberunningtowardsthesea。
Beforethetwodayswerespent，theygrewverywearyofthiskindoflife；forthefollowersofKingUlysses，asyouwillfinditimportanttoremember，wereterriblegormandizers，andprettysuretogrumbleiftheymissedtheirregularsmeals，andtheirirregularonesbesides。Theirstockofprovisionswasquiteexhausted，andeventheshellfishbegantogetscarce，sothattheyhadnowtochoosebetweenstarvingtodeathorventuringintotheinterioroftheisland，whereperhapssomehugethree-headeddragon，orotherhorriblemonster，hadhisden。Suchmisshapencreatureswereverynumerousinthosedays；
andnobodyeverexpectedtomakeavoyage，ortakeajourney，withoutrunningmoreorlessriskofbeingdevouredbythem。
ButKingUlysseswasaboldmanaswellasaprudentone；andonthethirdmorninghedeterminedtodiscoverwhatsortofaplacetheislandwas，andwhetheritwerepossibletoobtainasupplyoffoodforthehungrymouthsofhiscompanions。So，takingaspearinhishand，heclamberedtothesummitofacliff，andgazedroundabouthim。Atadistance，towardsthecenteroftheisland，hebeheldthestatelytowersofwhatseemedtobeapalace，builtofsnow-whitemarble，andrisinginthemidstofagroveofloftytrees。Thethickbranchesofthesetreesstretchedacrossthefrontoftheedifice，andmorethanhalfconcealedit，although，fromtheportionwhichhesaw，Ulyssesjudgedittobespaciousandexceedinglybeautiful，andprobablytheresidenceofsomegreatnoblemanorprince。Abluesmokewentcurlingupfromthechimney，andwasalmostthepleasantestpartofthespectacletoUlysses。For，fromtheabundanceofthissmoke，itwasreasonabletoconcludethattherewasagoodfireinthekitchen，andthat，atdinner-time，aplentifulbanquetwouldbeserveduptotheinhabitantsofthepalace，andtowhateverguestsmighthappentodropin。
Withsoagreeableaprospectbeforehim，Ulyssesfanciedthathecouldnotdobetterthangostraighttothepalacegate，andtellthemasterofitthattherewasacrewofpoorshipwreckedmariners，notfaroff，whohadeatennothingforadayortwo，saveafewclamsandoysters，andwouldthereforebethankfulforalittlefood。Andtheprinceornoblemanmustbeaverystingycurmudgeon，tobesure，if，atleast，whenhisowndinnerwasover，hewouldnotbidthemwelcometothebrokenvictualsfromthetable。
Pleasinghimselfwiththisidea，KingUlysseshadmadeafewstepsinthedirectionofthepalace，whentherewasagreattwitteringandchirpingfromthebranchofaneighboringtree。
Amomentafterwards，abirdcameflyingtowardshim，andhoveredintheair，soasalmosttobrushhisfacewithitswings。Itwasaveryprettylittlebird，withpurplewingsandbody，andyellowlegs，andacircleofgoldenfeathersrounditsneck，andonitsheadagoldentuft，whichlookedlikeaking’scrowninminiature。Ulyssestriedtocatchthebird。Butitflutterednimblyoutofhisreach，stillchirpinginapiteoustone，asifitcouldhavetoldalamentablestory，haditonlybeengiftedwithhumanlanguage。Andwhenheattemptedtodriveitaway，thebirdflewnofartherthantheboughofthenexttree，andagaincameflutteringabouthishead，withitsdolefulchirp，assoonasheshowedapurposeofgoingforward。
\"Haveyouanythingtotellme，littlebird？\"askedUlysses。
Andhewasreadytolistenattentivelytowhateverthebirdmightcommunicate；for，atthesiegeofTroy，andelsewhere，hehadknownsuchoddthingstohappen，thathewouldnothaveconsidereditmuchoutofthecommonrunhadthislittlefeatheredcreaturetalkedasplainlyashimself。
\"Peep！\"saidthebird，\"peep，peep，pe——weep！\"Andnothingelsewoulditsay，butonly，\"Peep，peep，pe——weep！\"inamelancholycadence，andoverandoverandoveragain。AsoftenasUlyssesmovedforward，however，thebirdshowedthegreatestalarm，anddiditsbesttodrivehimback，withtheanxiousflutterofitspurplewings。Itsunaccountablebehaviormadehimconclude，atlast，thatthebirdknewofsomedangerthatawaitedhim，andwhichmustneedsbeveryterrible，beyondallquestion，sinceitmovedevenalittlefowltofeelcompassionforahumanbeing。Soheresolved，forthepresent，toreturntothevessel，andtellhiscompanionswhathehadseen。
Thisappearedtosatisfythebird。AssoonasUlyssesturnedback，itranupthetrunkofatree，andbegantopickinsectsoutofthebarkwithitslong，sharpbill；foritwasakindofwoodpecker，youmustknow，andhadtogetitslivinginthesamemannerasotherbirdsofthatspecies。Buteverylittlewhile，asitpeckedatthebarkofthetree，thepurplebirdbethoughtitselfofsomesecretsorrow，andrepeateditsplaintivenoteof\"Peep，peep，pe——weep！\"
Onhiswaytotheshore，Ulysseshadthegoodlucktokillalargestagbythrustinghisspearintohisback。Takingitonhisshoulders（forhewasaremarkablystrongman），heluggeditalongwithhim，andflungitdownbeforehishungrycompanions。IhavealreadyhintedtoyouwhatgormandizerssomeofthecomradesofKingUlysseswere。Fromwhatisrelatedofthem，Ireckonthattheirfavoritedietwaspork，andthattheyhadliveduponituntilagoodpartoftheirphysicalsubstancewasswine’sflesh，andtheirtempersanddispositionswereverymuchakintothehog。Adishofvenison，however，wasnounacceptablemealtothem，especiallyafterfeedingsolongonoystersandclams。So，beholdingthedeadstag，theyfeltofitsribs，inaknowingway，andlostnotimeinkindlingafireofdriftwood，tocookit。Therestofthedaywasspentinfeasting；andiftheseenormouseatersgotupfromtableatsunset，itwasonlybecausetheycouldnotscrapeanothermorseloffthepooranimal’sbones。
Thenextmorning，theirappetiteswereassharpasever。TheylookedatUlysses，asiftheyexpectedhimtoclamberupthecliffagain，andcomebackwithanotherfatdeeruponhisshoulders。Insteadofsettingout，however，hesummonedthewholecrewtogether，andtoldthemitwasinvaintohopethathecouldkillastageverydayfortheirdinner，andthereforeitwasadvisabletothinkofsomeothermodeofsatisfyingtheirhunger。
\"Now，\"saidhe，\"whenIwasonthecliff，yesterday，I
discoveredthatthisislandisinhabited。Ataconsiderabledistancefromtheshorestoodamarblepalace，whichappearedtobeveryspacious，andhadagreatdealofsmokecurlingoutofoneofitschimneys。\"
\"Aha！\"mutteredsomeofhiscompanions，smackingtheirlips。
\"Thatsmokemusthavecomefromthekitchenfire。Therewasagooddinneronthespit；andnodoubttherewillbeasgoodaoneto-day。\"
\"But，\"continuedthewiseUlysses，\"youmustremember，mygoodfriends，ourmisadventureinthecavernofone-eyedPolyphemus，theCyclops！Insteadofhisordinarymilkdiet，didhenoteatuptwoofourcomradesforhissupper，andacouplemoreforbreakfast，andtwoathissupperagain？MethinksIseehimyet，thehideousmonster，scanninguswiththatgreatredeye，inthemiddleofhisforehead，tosingleoutthefattest。Andthen，again，onlyafewdaysago，didwenotfallintothehandsofthekingoftheLaestrygons，andthoseotherhorriblegiants，hissubjects，whodevouredagreatmanymoreofusthanarenowleft？Totellyouthetruth，ifwegotoyonderpalace，therecanbenoquestionthatweshallmakeourappearanceatthedinnertable；butwhetherseatedasguests，orservedupasfood，isapointtobeseriouslyconsidered。\"
\"Eitherway，\"murmuredsomeofthehungriestofthecrew；\"itwillbebetterthanstarvation；particularlyifonecouldbesureofbeingwellfattenedbeforehand，anddaintilycookedafterwards。\"
\"Thatisamatteroftaste，\"saidKingUlysses，\"and，formyownpart，neitherthemostcarefulfatteningnorthedaintiestofcookerywouldreconcilemetobeingdishedatlast。Myproposalis，therefore，thatwedivideourselvesintotwoequalparties，andascertain，bydrawinglots，whichofthetwoshallgotothepalace，andbegforfoodandassistance。Ifthesecanbeobtained，alliswell。Ifnot，andiftheinhabitantsproveasinhospitableasPolyphemus，ortheLaestrygons，thentherewillbuthalfofusperish，andtheremaindermaysetsailandescape。\"
Asnobodyobjectedtothisscheme，Ulyssesproceededtocountthewholeband，andfoundthattherewereforty-sixmen，includinghimself。Hethennumberedofftwenty-twoofthem，andputEurylochus（whowasoneofhischiefofficers，andsecondonlytohimselfinsagacity）attheirhead。Ulyssestookcommandoftheremainingtwenty-twomen，inperson。Then，takingoffhishelmet，heputtwoshellsintoit，ononeofwhichwaswritten，\"Go，\"andontheother\"Stay。\"Anotherpersonnowheldthehelmet，whileUlyssesandEurylochusdrewouteachashell；andtheword\"Go\"wasfoundwrittenonthatwhichEurylochushaddrawn。Inthismanner，itwasdecidedthatUlyssesandhistwenty-twomenweretoremainattheseasideuntiltheotherpartyshouldhavefoundoutwhatsortoftreatmenttheymightexpectatthemysteriouspalace。Astherewasnohelpforit，Eurylochusimmediatelysetforthattheheadofhistwenty-twofollowers，whowentoffinaverymelancholystateofmind，leavingtheirfriendsinhardlybetterspiritsthanthemselves。
Nosoonerhadtheyclamberedupthecliff，thantheydiscernedthetallmarbletowersofthepalace，ascending，aswhiteassnow，outofthelovelygreenshadowofthetreeswhichsurroundedit。Agushofsmokecamefromachimneyintherearoftheedifice。Thisvaporrosehighintheair，and，meetingwithabreeze，waswaftedseaward，andmadetopassovertheheadsofthehungrymariners。Whenpeople’sappetitesarekeen，theyhaveaveryquickscentforanythingsavoryinthewind。
\"Thatsmokecomesfromthekitchen！\"criedoneofthem，turninguphisnoseashighashecould，andsnuffingeagerly。\"And，assureasI’mahalf-starvedvagabond，Ismellroastmeatinit。\"
\"Pig，roastpig！\"saidanother。\"Ah，thedaintylittleporker。
Mymouthwatersforhim。\"
\"Letusmakehaste，\"criedtheothers，\"orweshallbetoolateforthegoodcheer！\"
Butscarcelyhadtheymadehalfadozenstepsfromtheedgeofthecliff，whenabirdcameflutteringtomeetthem。Itwasthesameprettylittlebird，withthepurplewingsandbody，theyellowlegs，thegoldencollarrounditsneck，andthecrown-liketuftuponitshead，whosebehaviorhadsomuchsurprisedUlysses。IthoveredaboutEurylochus，andalmostbrushedhisfacewithitswings。
\"Peep，peep，pe——weep！\"chirpedthebird。
Soplaintivelyintelligentwasthesound，thatitseemedasifthelittlecreatureweregoingtobreakitsheartwithsomemightysecretthatithadtotell，andonlythisonepoornotetotellitwith。
\"Myprettybird，\"saidEurylochus——forhewasawaryperson，andletnotokenofharmescapehisnotice——\"myprettybird，whosentyouhither？Andwhatisthemessagewhichyoubring？\"
\"Peep，peep，pe——weep！\"repliedthebird，verysorrowfully。
Thenitflewtowardstheedgeofthecliff，andlookedaroundatthem，asifexceedinglyanxiousthattheyshouldreturnwhencetheycame。Eurylochusandafewoftheotherswereinclinedtoturnback。Theycouldnothelpsuspectingthatthepurplebirdmustbeawareofsomethingmischievousthatwouldbefallthematthepalace，andtheknowledgeofwhichaffecteditsairyspiritwithahumansympathyandsorrow。Buttherestofthevoyagers，snuffingupthesmokefromthepalacekitchen，ridiculedtheideaofreturningtothevessel。Oneofthem（morebrutalthanhisfellows，andthemostnotoriousgormandizerinthecrew）saidsuchacruelandwickedthing，thatIwonderthemerethoughtdidnotturnhimintoawildbeast，inshape，ashealreadywasinhisnature。
\"Thistroublesomeandimpertinentlittlefowl，\"saidhe，\"wouldmakeadelicatetitbittobegindinnerwith。Justoneplumpmorsel，meltingawaybetweentheteeth。Ifhecomeswithinmyreach，I’llcatchhim，andgivehimtothepalacecooktoberoastedonaskewer。\"
Thewordswerehardlyoutofhismouth，beforethepurplebirdflewaway，crying，\"Peep，peep，pe——weep，\"moredolorouslythanever。
\"Thatbird，\"remarkedEurylochus，\"knowsmorethanwedoaboutwhatawaitsusatthepalace。\"
\"Comeon，then，\"criedhiscomrades，\"andwe’llsoonknowasmuchashedoes。\"
Theparty，accordingly，wentonwardthroughthegreenandpleasantwood。Everylittlewhiletheycaughtnewglimpsesofthemarblepalace，whichlookedmoreandmorebeautifulthenearertheyapproachedit。Theysoonenteredabroadpathway，whichseemedtobeveryneatlykept，andwhichwentwindingalong，withstreaksofsunshinefallingacrossitandspecksoflightquiveringamongthedeepestshadowsthatfellfromtheloftytrees。Itwasbordered，too，withagreatmanysweet-smellingflowers，suchasthemarinershadneverseenbefore。Sorichandbeautifultheywere，that，iftheshrubsgrewwildhere，andwerenativeinthesoil，thenthisislandwassurelytheflowergardenofthewholeearth；or，iftransplantedfromsomeotherclime，itmusthavebeenfromtheHappyIslandsthatlaytowardsthegoldensunset。
\"Therehasbeenagreatdealofpainsfoolishlywastedontheseflowers，\"observedoneofthecompany；andItellyouwhathesaid，thatyoumaykeepinmindwhatgormandizerstheywere。
\"Formypart，ifIweretheownerofthepalace，Iwouldbidmygardenercultivatenothingbutsavorypotherbstomakeastuffingforroastmeat，ortoflavorastewwith。\"
\"Wellsaid！\"criedtheothers。\"ButI’llwarrantyouthere’sakitchengardenintherearofthepalace。\"
Atoneplacetheycametoacrystalspring，andpausedtodrinkatitforwantofliquorwhichtheylikedbetter。Lookingintoitsbosom，theybeheldtheirownfacesdimlyreflected，butsoextravagantlydistortedbythegushandmotionofthewater，thateachoneofthemappearedtobelaughingathimselfandallhiscompanions。Soridiculousweretheseimagesofthemselves，indeed，thattheydidreallylaughaloud，andcouldhardlybegraveagainassoonastheywished。Andaftertheyhaddrank，theygrewstillmerrierthanbefore。
\"Ithasatwangofthewinecaskinit，\"saidone，smackinghislips。
\"Makehaste！\"criedhisfellows：\"we’llfindthewinecaskitselfatthepalace，andthatwillbebetterthanahundredcrystalfountains。\"
Thentheyquickenedtheirpace，andcaperedforjoyatthethoughtofthesavorybanquetatwhichtheyhopedtobeguests。
ButEurylochustoldthemthathefeltasifhewerewalkinginadream。
\"IfIamreallyawake，\"continuedhe，\"then，inmyopinion，weareonthepointofmeetingwithsomestrangeradventurethananythatbefellusinthecaveofPolyphemus，oramongthegiganticman-eatingLaestrygons，orinthewindypalaceofKingAeolus，whichstandsonabrazen-walledisland。Thiskindofdreamyfeelingalwayscomesovermebeforeanywonderfuloccurrence。Ifyoutakemyadvice，youwillturnback。\"
\"No，no，\"answeredhiscomrades，snuffingtheair，inwhichthescentfromthepalacekitchenwasnowveryperceptible。\"Wewouldnotturnback，thoughwewerecertainthatthekingoftheLaestrygons，asbigasamountain，wouldsitattheheadofthetable，andhugePolyphemus，theone-eyedCyclops，atitsfoot。\"
Atlengththeycamewithinfullsightofthepalace，whichprovedtobeverylargeandlofty，withagreatnumberofairypinnaclesuponitsroof。Thoughitwasmidday，andthesunshonebrightlyoverthemarblefront，yetitssnowywhiteness，anditsfantasticstyleofarchitecture，madeitlookunreal，likethefrostworkonawindowpane，orliketheshapesofcastleswhichoneseesamongthecloudsbymoonlight。But，justthen，apuffofwindbroughtdownthesmokeofthekitchenchimneyamongthem，andcausedeachmantosmelltheodorofthedishthathelikedbest；and，afterscentingit，theythoughteverythingelsemoonshine，andnothingrealsavethispalace，andsavethebanquetthatwasevidentlyreadytobeservedupinit。
Sotheyhastenedtheirstepstowardstheportal，buthadnotgothalfwayacrossthewidelawn，whenapackoflions，tigers，andwolvescameboundingtomeetthem。Theterrifiedmarinersstartedback，expectingnobetterfatethantobetorntopiecesanddevoured。Totheirsurpriseandjoy，however，thesewildbeastsmerelycaperedaroundthem，waggingtheirtails，offeringtheirheadstobestrokedandpatted，andbehavingjustlikesomanywell-bredhousedogs，whentheywishtoexpresstheirdelightatmeetingtheirmaster，ortheirmaster’sfriends。ThebiggestlionlickedthefeetofEurylochus；andeveryotherlion，andeverywolfandtiger，singledoutoneofhistwoandtwentyfollowers，whomthebeastfondledasifhelovedhimbetterthanabeefbone。
But，forallthat，Eurylochusimaginedthathesawsomethingfierceandsavageintheireyes；norwouldhehavebeensurprised，atanymoment，tofeelthebiglion’sterribleclaws，ortoseeeachofthetigersmakeadeadlyspring，oreachwolfleapatthethroatofthemanwhomhehadfondled。
Theirmildnessseemedunreal，andamerefreak；buttheirsavagenaturewasastrueastheirteethandclaws。
Nevertheless，themenwentsafelyacrossthelawnwiththewildbeastsfriskingaboutthem，anddoingnomannerofharm；
although，astheymountedthestepsofthepalace，youmightpossiblyhaveheardalowgrowl，particularlyfromthewolves；
asiftheythoughtitapity，afterall，toletthestrangerspasswithoutsomuchastastingwhattheyweremadeof。
Eurylochusandhisfollowersnowpassedunderaloftyportal，andlookedthroughtheopendoorwayintotheinteriorofthepalace。Thefirstthingthattheysawwasaspacioushall，andafountaininthemiddleofit，gushinguptowardstheceilingoutofamarblebasin，andfallingbackintoitwithacontinualplash。Thewaterofthisfountain，asitspoutedupward，wasconstantlytakingnewshapes，notverydistinctly，butplainlyenoughforanimblefancytorecognizewhattheywere。Nowitwastheshapeofamaninalongrobe，thefleecywhitenessofwhichwasmadeoutofthefountain’sspray；nowitwasalion，oratiger，orawolf，oranass，or，asoftenasanythingelse，ahog，wallowinginthemarblebasinasifitwerehissty。Itwaseithermagicorsomeverycuriousmachinerythatcausedthegushingwaterspouttoassumealltheseforms。But，beforethestrangershadtimetolookcloselyatthiswonderfulsight，theirattentionwasdrawnoffbyaverysweetandagreeablesound。Awoman’svoicewassingingmelodiouslyinanotherroomofthepalace，andwithhervoicewasmingledthenoiseofaloom，atwhichshewasprobablyseated，weavingarichtextureofcloth，andintertwiningthehighandlowsweetnessofhervoiceintoarichtissueofharmony。
Byandby，thesongcametoanend；andthen，allatonce，therewereseveralfemininevoices，talkingairilyandcheerfully，withnowandthenamerryburstoflaughter，suchasyoumayalwayshearwhenthreeorfouryoungwomensitatworktogether。
\"Whatasweetsongthatwas！\"exclaimedoneofthevoyagers。
\"Toosweet，indeed，\"answeredEurylochus，shakinghishead。
\"YetitwasnotsosweetasthesongoftheSirens，thosebird-likedamselswhowantedtotemptusontherocks，sothatourvesselmightbewrecked，andourbonesleftwhiteningalongtheshore。\"
\"Butjustlistentothepleasantvoicesofthosemaidens，andthatbuzzoftheloom，astheshuttlepassestoandfro，\"saidanothercomrade。\"Whatadomestic，household，home-likesounditis！Ah，beforethatwearysiegeofTroy，Iusedtohearthebuzzingloomandthewomen’svoicesundermyownroof。ShallI
neverhearthemagain？nortastethosenicelittlesavorydisheswhichmydearestwifeknewhowtoserveup？\"
\"Tush！weshallfarebetterhere，\"saidanother。\"Buthowinnocentlythosewomenarebabblingtogether，withoutguessingthatweoverhearthem！Andmarkthatrichestvoiceofall，sopleasantandsofamiliar，butwhichyetseemstohavetheauthorityofamistressamongthem。Letusshowourselvesatonce。Whatharmcantheladyofthepalaceandhermaidensdotomarinersandwarriorslikeus？\"
\"Remember，\"saidEurylochus，\"thatitwasayoungmaidenwhobeguiledthreeofourfriendsintothepalaceofthekingoftheLaestrygons，whoateuponeoftheminthetwinklingofaneye。\"
Nowarningorpersuasion，however，hadanyeffectonhiscompanions。Theywentuptoapairoffoldingdoorsatthefartherendofthehall，andthrowingthemwideopen，passedintothenextroom。Eurylochus，meanwhile，hadsteppedbehindapillar。Intheshortmomentwhilethefoldingdoorsopenedandclosedagain，hecaughtaglimpseofaverybeautifulwomanrisingfromtheloom，andcomingtomeetthepoorweather-beatenwanderers，withahospitablesmile，andherhandstretchedoutinwelcome。Therewerefourotheryoungwomen，whojoinedtheirhandsanddancedmerrilyforward，makinggesturesofobeisancetothestrangers。Theywereonlylessbeautifulthantheladywhoseemedtobetheirmistress。YetEurylochusfanciedthatoneofthemhadsea-greenhair，andthattheclose-fittingbodiceofasecondlookedlikethebarkofatree，andthatboththeothershadsomethingoddintheiraspect，althoughhecouldnotquitedeterminewhatitwas，inthelittlewhilethathehadtoexaminethem。
Thefoldingdoorsswungquicklyback，andlefthimstandingbehindthepillar，inthesolitudeoftheouterhall。ThereEurylochuswaiteduntilhewasquiteweary，andlistenedeagerlytoeverysound，butwithouthearinganythingthatcouldhelphimtoguesswhathadbecomeofhisfriends。Footsteps，itistrue，seemedtobepassingandrepassing，inotherpartsofthepalace。Thentherewasaclatterofsilverdishes，orgoldenones，whichmadehimimaginearichfeastinasplendidbanquetinghall。Butbyandbyheheardatremendousgruntingandsquealing，andthenasuddenscampering，likethatofsmall，hardhoofsoveramarblefloor，whilethevoicesofthemistressandherfourhandmaidenswerescreamingalltogether，intonesofangerandderision。Eurylochuscouldnotconceivewhathadhappened，unlessadroveofswinehadbrokenintothepalace，attractedbythesmellofthefeast。Chancingtocasthiseyesatthefountain，hesawthatitdidnotshiftitsshape，asformerly，norlookedeitherlikealong-robedman，oralion，atiger，awolf，oranass。Itlookedlikenothingbutahog，whichlaywallowinginthemarblebasin，andfilleditfrombrimtobrim。
ButwemustleavetheprudentEurylochuswaitingintheouterhall，andfollowhisfriendsintotheinnersecrecyofthepalace。Assoonasthebeautifulwomansawthem，shearosefromtheloom，asIhavetoldyou，andcameforward，smiling，andstretchingoutherhand。Shetookthehandoftheforemostamongthem，andbadehimandthewholepartywelcome。
\"Youhavebeenlongexpected，mygoodfriends，\"saidshe。\"I
andmymaidensarewellacquaintedwithyou，althoughyoudonotappeartorecognizeus。Lookatthispieceoftapestry，andjudgeifyourfacesmustnothavebeenfamiliartous。\"
Sothevoyagersexaminedthewebofclothwhichthebeautifulwomanhadbeenweavinginherloom；and，totheirvastastonishment，theysawtheirownfiguresperfectlyrepresentedindifferentcoloredthreads。Itwasalife-likepictureoftheirrecentadventures，showingtheminthecaveofPolyphemus，andhowtheyhadputouthisonegreatmoonyeye；
whileinanotherpartofthetapestrytheywereuntyingtheleathernbags，puffedoutwithcontrarywinds；andfartheron，theybeheldthemselvesscamperingawayfromthegigantickingoftheLaestrygons，whohadcaughtoneofthembytheleg。
Lastly，theretheywere，sittingonthedesolateshoreofthisveryisland，hungryanddowncast，andlookingruefullyatthebarebonesofthestagwhichtheydevouredyesterday。Thiswasasfarastheworkhadyetproceeded；butwhenthebeautifulwomanshouldagainsitdownatherloom，shewouldprobablymakeapictureofwhathadsincehappenedtothestrangers，andofwhatwasnowgoingtohappen。
\"Yousee，\"shesaid，\"thatIknowallaboutyourtroubles；andyoucannotdoubtthatIdesiretomakeyouhappyforaslongatimeasyoumayremainwithme。Forthispurpose，myhonoredguests，Ihaveorderedabanquettobeprepared。Fish，fowl，andflesh，roasted，andinlusciousstews，andseasoned，I
trust，toallyourtastes，arereadytobeservedup。Ifyourappetitestellyouitisdinnertime，thencomewithmetothefestalsaloon。\"
Atthiskindinvitation，thehungrymarinerswerequiteoverjoyed；andoneofthem，takinguponhimselftobespokesman，assuredtheirhospitablehostessthatanyhourofthedaywasdinnertimewiththem，whenevertheycouldgetfleshtoputinthepot，andfiretoboilitwith。Sothebeautifulwomanledtheway；andthefourmaidens（oneofthemhadsea-greenhair，anotherabodiceofoakbark，athirdsprinkledashowerofwaterdropsfromherfingers’ends，andthefourthhadsomeotheroddity，whichIhaveforgotten），allthesefollowedbehind，andhurriedtheguestsalong，untiltheyenteredamagnificentsaloon。Itwasbuiltinaperfectoval，andlightedfromacrystaldomeabove。Aroundthewallswererangedtwoandtwentythrones，overhungbycanopiesofcrimsonandgold，andprovidedwiththesoftestofcushions，whichweretasselledandfringedwithgoldcord。Eachofthestrangerswasinvitedtositdown；andtheretheywere，twoandtwentystorm-
beatenmariners，inwornandtatteredgarb，sittingontwoandtwentycushionedandcanopiedthrones，sorichandgorgeousthattheproudestmonarchhadnothingmoresplendidinhisstateliesthall。
Thenyoumighthaveseentheguestsnodding，winkingwithoneeye，andleaningfromonethronetoanother，tocommunicatetheirsatisfactioninhoarsewhispers。
\"Ourgoodhostesshasmadekingsofusall，\"saidone。\"Ha！doyousmellthefeast？I’llengageitwillbefittosetbeforetwoandtwentykings。\"
\"Ihope，\"saidanother，\"itwillbe，mainly，goodsubstantialjoints，sirloins，spareribs，andhinderquarters，withouttoomanykickshaws。IfIthoughtthegoodladywouldnottakeitamiss，Ishouldcallforafatsliceoffriedbacontobeginwith。\"
Ah，thegluttonsandgormandizers！Youseehowitwaswiththem。Intheloftiestseatsofdignity，onroyalthrones，theycouldthinkofnothingbuttheirgreedyappetite，whichwastheportionoftheirnaturethattheysharedwithwolvesandswine；
sothattheyresembledthosevilestofanimalsfarmorethantheydidkings——if，indeed，kingswerewhattheyoughttobe。