The Cyclops — Odysseus tells of Polyphemus

Book 9 of The Odyssey by Homer

And Odysseus, of many devices, answered him saying: 'I am Odysseus, son of Laertes, known among all men for my cunning, and my fame reaches unto heaven. I dwell in clear-seen Ithaca, wherein is a mountain, Neriton, covered with waving forests, conspicuous from afar; and round it lie many isles hard by one another, Dulichium and Same and wooded Zacynthus. Ithaca itself lies low, furthest up the sea-line toward the darkness, but those others face the dawning and the sun. It is a rugged land, but a good nurse of heroes; and for myself I can see nothing sweeter than a man's own country.'

'From Ilion the wind bore me and brought me to the Cicones, to Ismarus. There I sacked the city and slew the men; and from the city we took their wives and much substance, and divided them amongst us, that so far as lay in me no man might go lacking his proper share. Then verily I gave command to flee with a swift foot, but my men in their great folly would not hearken. Much wine was drunk there, and many sheep they slew by the sea-shore, and kine with shambling gait. Meanwhile the Cicones went and raised a cry to other Cicones, their neighbours, dwelling inland, who were more in number and braver withal, skilled to fight with men from chariots and on foot. They came in the early morning, thick as leaves and flowers in their season, and the doom of Zeus fell upon us that we might suffer sore.'

'Thence we sailed onward, stricken at heart, yet glad to have escaped death, though we had lost our dear companions. Next we came to the land of the Lotus-Eaters, who eat a flowery food. We went ashore and drew water, and my company took their midday meal by the swift ships. When we had tasted meat and drink, I sent forth certain of my company to learn what manner of men they were who here lived upon the earth, choosing two of my men and sending with them a third as herald. They departed and went among the Lotus-Eaters, and the Lotus-Eaters did not plan death for my companions, but gave them of the lotus to taste. Now whosoever of them ate the honey-sweet fruit of the lotus had no more wish to bring tidings nor to come back, but there they chose to abide with the Lotus-eating men, ever feeding on the lotus and forgetful of their homeward way. These men I brought back weeping to the ships by force, and dragged them beneath the benches and bound them in the hollow barques.'