They came I cannot say why... They climbed up the trails. They crossed the stones of my garden path... They knelt to me on my yellow sands. (Miller 192-193)
Men, typically sailors and pirates, travel to the beautiful island of Circe the goddess, daughter of Helios the sun god. This happens quite frequently.
Let us worship thee goddess!
One day, Odysseus and his men came upon Circe's island. Three days later, some of Odysseus' men came to Circe's hall. After she feed them and gave them wine, she turned them into pigs because they were going to assault her.
They ate well. They drank more... I did not wait... I raised my staff... They went crying to their pen like all the rest. (Miller 197-198)
I opened the door at the man's knock... I brought him food and wine, and led him to my hearth. He took the goblet and sat in the silver chair Iindicated. (Miller 198)
Only a short time after, Odysseus came to Circe's hall himself. He knew his men had come here and asked if he could stay too. Circe sweetly said yes, gave him food and wine, and led him to her fireplace, where she and Odysseus sat.
May I take shelter with you?
Circe and Odysseus talk with one another and she finds he is not like the other men she has met. He does not drink the wine and she recognizes his wit. As they keep talking, Odysseus reveals he knows that Circe is a witch and Circe reveals she knows he is Odysseus.
You are the goddess Circe.
What man spoke so? None that I had ever met. Yet at the same time there was something in him that felt nearly familiar... 'I think you are Odysseus,'... 'And you are the goddess Circe, daughter of the sun.' (Miller 199-203)
And you are Odysseus, the man from Hermes' prophecy.
Circe has Odysseus' men, but Odysseus has an herb that protects him from Circe's spells. Odysseus could strike her, but if he does his men will never be themselves again. Circe must find a way to get what she wants.
'Then, Prince Odysseus, we are at an impasse. For you have the moly and I have your men. I cannot harm you, but if you strike at me, they will never be themselves again.' (Miller 203)
You cannot harm me or your men will remain pigs!
Circe tells Odysseus that she would be willing to form trust between them through love. Odysseus tells her he will only agree if she swears an unbreakable oath not to hurt him. Because of her past, Circe wants to feel like she is in control of her own body so she agrees to swear the oath.
'I propose a truce... 'I have heard many find their trust in love.'... 'My lady... I am mortal... The moment I set down my moly to join you in your bed, you may cast your spell.'... 'Unless, of course, you were to swear an oath you will not hurt me, upon the river of the dead'... 'I will swear the oath.' (Miller 204-205)