THE CYCLOPS
Odysseus
No, I had something more subtle in mind.
Coryphaeus
I thought from the first you were sly. What then? 450
Odysseus
I hope to stop his going on this spree
by saying he shouldn't give his wine away,
but keep it for himself and live in bliss.
Then, as soon as the wine puts him to sleep,
Fll take my sword and sharpen up the trunk 455
of an olive tree I saw inside the cave.
Fll put it in the coals and when it's caught,
I'll shove it home, dead in the Cyclops' eye,
and blind him. Just like a timber-fitter
whirling his auger around with a belt, 460
Fll screw the brand in his eye, round and round,
scorch out his eyeball and blind him for good.
Coryphaeus
Bravo! I'm for your plan with all my heart. 465
Odysseus
And finally, my friends, I'll embark you
and your old father aboard my black ship
and sail full speed away from this place.
Coryphaeus
May I lend a hand at this ritual?
Help hold the pole when you put out his eye? 470
This is one sacrifice I want to share.
Odysseus
You must. The brand is huge. You all must lift.
Coryphaeus
I could shoulder a hundred wagon-loads
273