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Drawn down was his arm, and through swirling eddies he sank from the light.

But his cry as he sank was heard of one of his comrades alone{1240}

Who trod that fountainward path, Polyphemus, Eilatus’ son,

To meet that giant hero when back he should fare to the feast.

By Pegae, following the cry, hath he rushed, like a wildwood beast

Unto whom from far away hath been wafted the bleating of sheep,

And with famine afire he pursueth; howbeit he may not leap

On the prey, for already the shepherds have penned them safe from the foe;

And in vehement rage must he moan and howl, till aweary he grow;

So Eilatus’ son made vehement moan, and he roamed to and fro

About the place; and his voice rang piteous, broken with woe.

Then suddenly drew he his mighty blade, and he rushed to pursue,{1250}

If perchance he were seized of beasts, or from ambush a robber-crew

Had leapt on him faring alone, and were haling afar their prey.

Then, even as he shook in his hand his naked sword, in the way

Came Herakles’ self to meet him, a giant form that sped