1
(The speakers in the dialogue are Odysseus, Circe, and Gryllus.)
Odysseus
ODYSSEUS. These facts,For the beginning cf. Horace, Sat. ii. 5. 1: Haec quoque, Teresia, praeter narrata, a form which is assumed to go back to Menippus. Circe, I believe I have learned and shall not forget them; yet I should be happy to learn from you further whether there are any Greeks among those whom you have changed from the shape of men into wolves and lions.
Circe
CIRCE. Quite a few, beloved Odysseus. But what is your reason for asking this question?
Odysseus
ODYSSEUS. It is, I swear, because it would bring me noble glory among the Greeks if by your favour I should restore comrades of mine to their original humanity and not allow them to grow old in the unnatural guise of beasts, leading an existence that is so piteous and shameful.
Circe
CIRCE. Here’s a lad who finds it appropriate that not only himself and his companions, but even total strangers should, through his stupidity, find his ambition their ruin.
5
Odysseus
ODYSSEUS. This is a new potionBy which she transformed men into beasts: Odyssey, x. 236. of words that you are stirring and drugging for me, Circe. It will certainly transform me literally into a beast if I am to take your word for it that changing from beast to man spells ruin.
