"Eurylochus came running back to the ship and spread the alarm. I now shouldered the burden of command and set out to investigate. Fortunately I met Hermes along the way. Zeus's herald warned me that I too would be transformed by Circe's witchery unless I followed his instructions. I was to accept the potion that she gave me, knowing that I would be protected by a godly charm -- a sprig of herb called moly that mortals dare not harvest. Then when she raised her wand I was to draw my sword. Hermes gave me the moly, then departed. I made my way to the house in the clearing and Circe bade me enter. I downed the potion. Then just as she showed her wand, I unsheathed my sword and held it to her throat."

'You can only be Odysseus. Hermes warned me that this day would come. Let me be your friend.'

'First, you must swear to this out. You must turn all my men back to normal. Then we can dance and feast.'

'Fine, but first let be tell you that you will never see your home again by sailing there directly. You must detour to the land of Death, there to consult the blind prophet Tiresias. He alone can chart your course.'