`` And my poor companions , '' said Ulysses . `` Have they undergone a similar change , through the arts of this wicked Circe ? '' `` You well know what gormandizers they were , '' replied Quicksilver ; and rogue that he was , he could not help laughing at the joke . `` So you will not be surprised to hear that they have all taken the shapes of swine ! If Circe had never done anything worse , I really should not think her so very much to blame . '' `` But can I do nothing to help them ? '' inquired Ulysses . `` It will require all your wisdom , '' said Quicksilver , `` and a little of my own into the bargain , to keep your royal and sagacious self from being transformed into a fox . But do as I bid you ; and the matter may end better than it has begun . '' While he was speaking , Quicksilver seemed to be in search of something ; he went stooping along the ground , and soon laid his hand on a little plant with a snow-white flower , which he plucked and smelt of . Ulysses had been looking at that very spot only just before ; and it appeared to him that the plant had burst into full flower the instant when Quicksilver touched it with his fingers . `` Take this flower , King Ulysses , '' said he . `` Guard it as you do your eyesight ; for I can assure you it is exceedingly rare and precious , and you might seek the whole earth over without ever finding another like it . Keep it in your hand , and smell of it frequently after you enter the palace , and while you are talking with the enchantress . Especially when she offers you food , or a draught of wine out of her goblet , be careful to fill your nostrils with the flower 's fragrance . Follow these directions , and you may defy her magic arts to change you into a fox . '' Quicksilver then gave him some further advice how to behave , and bidding him be bold and prudent , again assured him that , powerful as Circe was , he would have a fair prospect of coming safely out of her enchanted palace . After listening attentively , Ulysses thanked his good friend , and resumed his way . But he had taken only a few steps , when , recollecting some other questions which he wished to ask , he turned round again , and beheld nobody on the spot where Quicksilver had stood ; for that winged cap of his , and those winged shoes , with the help of the winged staff , had carried him quickly out of sight . When Ulysses reached the lawn , in front of the palace , the lions and other savage animals came bounding to meet him , and would have fawned upon him and licked his feet .
But the wise king struck XXXXX them with his long spear , and sternly bade them begone out of his path ; for he knew that they had once been bloodthirsty men , and would now tear him limb from limb , instead of fawning upon him , could they do the mischief that was in their hearts .
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