ion of the Book, which is the
fulfillment of the prophecies of the first portion; moreover we see how
the forewarnings are heeded. Ulysses and his companions enter their
vessel and start once more upon the sea, leaving the island of Circe,
who sends them a favorable wind. We note also that Ulysses always
repeats the warning to his companions, and tells to what they are
coming next; they are to share in his knowledge. Three times he does
this, just before each incident, and thus prepares them, though he does
not tell everything. The experience with the Bag of Winds has taught
him much; his companions through ignorance of its nature opened it and
the fatality followed. So he received the penalty of not sharing his
knowledge with his fellows; now he avoids that mistake, for his conduct
at present shows that he regards his failure to impart his information
as a mistake. He was the cause of the ignorance of his companions,
which was brought home to him by their deed. Now he tells them, still
he will not be able to save them; the fault is theirs when they
transgress, and they will receive the penalty.

1. In accord with the plan already foretold, the ship approaches the
island of the Sirens, Ulysses fills the ears of his men with wax and
enjoys the song, being tied firmly to the mast. It is evident that he
cannot control himself from within, he wishes to be loosed, but is only
fastened the more tightly by his deafened associates. Foreseeing his
own weakness he guards against it, yet brings out the more strongly his
lack of self-mastery. He gives up his freedom in order not to perish
through enjoyment. Herein we find suggestive hints concerning the
natural man; he must be governed from without, till he become
self-governable. Truly this is the first stage both in the individual
and in history, and Ulysses is the typical personality representing
both.

The song of the Sirens is given, which we did not hear in the previous
prophetic portion. We may note in it touches of flattery, of
enticement, of boundless promises, even of wisdom for the wise man.
Then that favorite theme, the Trojan War, they claim to know, "and all
that has ever happened upon the foodful earth." Such are the gorgeous
promises to the man thirsty for knowledge; but mark in their meadow the
bones and decaying bodies of dead men. Evidently their sweet song,
promising all, lures only to destroy. Their power, however, lasts but
for the moment, while the senses a