Of the thirteen vessels with which Odysseus sailed from Troy only one was now left.  Weary and broken in spirit they voyaged on over the waste of waters; and when, after two or three days’ sail, they landed on a low-lying coast, they lay down for two days and two nights, like men whose last hope in life was gone.  On the third morning Odysseus roused himself, and ascending a rising ground saw to his dismay that they had landed on a small island.  On all sides stretched the boundless sea, without a trace of land on the whole horizon.

As he was descending the hill he heard a rustling in a neighbouring thicket, and a tall stag with branching antlers stepped forth, and began to make his way down to a little stream which skirted the foot of the hill.  From the high ground on which he stood Odysseus had a full view of the beast’s broad back, and taking steady aim he flung his spear and pierced him through the spine.  Odysseus’ eyes glistened when he saw the splendid quarry at his feet, for never had he seen so fine a buck.  Not without effort he took the carcass on his back, and bore it down to his ship, where he found his men still lying listlessly where he had left them.  “Courage, comrades,” he cried, as he flung his heavy burden on the sand.  “We shall not die before our day, and while we have life we must eat and drink.  Better a full sorrow than a fasting."[1] So they ate and drank, and made good cheer.

[Footnote 1:  See the whole incident imitated in Virgil ("Stories from the AEneid,” p. 49).]

Next day Odysseus divided his whole crew into two companies, two and twenty each, with himself as captain of one division, and Eurylochus, his faithful squire, in command of the other.  Then he drew lots with Eurylochus to determine which of the two should undertake the perilous duty of exploring the island.  The lot fell upon Eurylochus, and he at once set forth with his party, pursued by the prayers and tears of those who remained behind.

Passing the low hills which skirted the coast, they struck into a forest path, and presently came to an open glade, in the midst of which stood a fair stone dwelling.  And as they came and drew nigh unto the house they saw a strange sight:  before the doors stalked and glared a multitude of wolves and lions, and other beasts of prey, and when they saw the men these fearful creatures came fawning round them, like hounds welcoming their master, and did them no harm.

Quaking with wonder and fear, they came and stood on the threshold, through which they caught sight of a young and lovely dame, pacing to and fro about her loom, and weaving a wondrous web, fair and large, such as the daughters of the gods are wont to weave.  And as she plied her task, she sang to herself in a low and thrilling voice, sad and sweet as the notes of the AEolian harp.  Presently she turned her face to the doorway, and saw the men standing without.  With a bright smile she came forward, and bade them enter; and they all went in, save only Eurylochus, who was older than the rest, and liked not the look in that fair lady’s eyes.