King Ulysses took the goblet with his right hand , while with his left he held the snow-white flower to his nostrils , and drew in so long a breath that his lungs were quite filled with its pure and simple fragrance . Then , drinking off all the wine , he looked the enchantress calmly in the face . `` Wretch , '' cried Circe , giving him a smart stroke with her wand , `` how dare you keep your human shape a moment longer ! Take the form of the brute whom you most resemble . If a hog , go join your fellow-swine in the sty ; if a lion , a wolf , a tiger , go howl with the wild beasts on the lawn ; if a fox , go exercise your craft in stealing poultry . Thou hast quaffed off my wine , and canst be man no longer . '' But , such was the virtue of the snow-white flower , instead of wallowing down from his throne in swinish shape , or taking any other brutal form , Ulysses looked even more manly and king-like than before . He gave the magic goblet a toss , and sent it clashing over the marble floor to the farthest end of the saloon . Then , drawing his sword , he seized the enchantress by her beautiful ringlets , and made a gesture as if he meant to strike off her head at one blow . `` Wicked Circe , '' cried he , in a terrible voice , `` this sword shall put an end to thy enchant meets . Thou shalt die , vile wretch , and do no more mischief in the world , by tempting human beings into the vices which make beasts of them . '' The tone and countenance of Ulysses were so awful , and his sword gleamed so brightly , and seemed to have so intolerably keen an edge , that Circe was almost killed by the mere fright , without waiting for a blow . The chief butler scrambled out of the saloon , picking up the golden goblet as he went ; and the enchantress and the four maidens fell on their knees , wringing their hands , and screaming for mercy . `` Spare me ! '' cried Circe . `` Spare me , royal and wise Ulysses . For now I know that thou art he of whom Quicksilver forewarned me , the most prudent of mortals , against whom no enchantments can prevail . Thou only couldst have conquered Circe . Spare me , wisest of men . I will show thee true hospitality , and even give myself to be thy slave , and this magnificent palace to be henceforth thy home . ''
The four nymphs , meanwhile , were making a most piteous ado ; and especially the ocean nymph , XXXXX the sea-green hair , wept a great deal of salt water , and the fountain nymph , besides scattering dewdrops from her fingers ' ends , nearly melted away into tears .
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