iven them the outward form that
corresponds with their inner nature; the grunting of swine is heard in
the distance mingled with the wails and laments of human voices; Kirke
listens with rage and contempt; she flings herself back on her couch;
she hates the glaring light of day and longs for darkness. The maidens
close the gates of the palace. Night comes on and the moon rises.

Odysseus, waiting vainly for the return of his companions, hears from
his brother-in-law, Periander who has escaped, that the rest have been
changed into swine, after having drunk of the enchantress' cup.
Odysseus has set out to seek and rescue them; he is seen wandering in
the background among the trees. The friendly God Hermes, invisible,
whispers good counsel to Odysseus, and puts into his hand a magic herb
which will counteract the enchantment of Kirke's cup. Full of hope and
{406} courage, Odysseus knocks for admittance with his sword on the
palace gates; they open, and suddenly in dazzling light, Kirke stands
before him in all her dangerous beauty and charm. For a moment the
hero is overcome with amazement and admiration. Kirke is radiant with
joy; here is the world-famed hero at her feet. But again the grunting
of swine and cries of grief are heard. Odysseus springs up; drawing
his sword he commands Kirke to free her victims; she vainly tries to
resist; she offers him her fatal cup. Odysseus takes it, but
unobserved he drops the magic herb of Hermes into it, then drinks the
now harmless draught. Kirke, swaying her magic wand looks to see
Odysseus immediately transformed as his companions were; but he remains
unchanged, and commands her to free his friends. Kirke, vanquished,
obeys. One by one the men rush out of the palace in their natural
forms and warmly thank and praise their deliverer. But Odysseus has
himself fallen into the power of the enchantress; a wild passion has
taken possession of him; he forgets his duty, his wife and child.
Hastily dismissing his companions he falls into Kirke's arms.

Wondering and distressed Periander returns singing Penelope's song; he
approaches and endeavours to rouse Odysseus to a sense of his duty; he
reminds him of home and wife and child, but in vain; the infatuated
hero, under the influence of this unholy passion, so far forgets
himself as in furious rage to attack Periander with his spear. {407}
Periander in grief and despair turns to depart, and is mortally wounded
by the spear of