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during the revolutions which that part of the 

 world has undergone. If this fruit has not 

 already been discovered under some other ap- 

 pellation, we may still expect that our re- 

 searches in the interior of Africa will restore 

 the lost treasure. It is now about 2700 years 

 since Homer related the enchanting effects 

 this fruit had on the followers of Ulysses : 



Nine days our fleet th' uncertain tempest bore, 

 Bar in wide ocean, and from sight of shore ; 

 The tenth we touch'd, by various errors tost, 

 The land of Lotus and the flowery coast. 

 We climb'd the beach, and springs of water found, 

 Then spread our hasty banquet on the ground. 

 Three men were sent, deputed from the crew, 

 (An herald one) the dubious coast to view, 

 And learn what habitants possess the place. 

 They went, and found a hospitable race ; 

 Not prone to ill, nor strange to foreign guest. 

 They eat, they drink, and nature gives the feast ; 

 The trees around them all their fruit produce, 

 Lotos the name, divine, nectareous juice! 

 (Thence called Lotophagi), which whoso tastes, 

 Insatiate riots in the sweet repasts, 

 Nor other home, nor other care intends, 

 But quits his house, his country, and his friends : 

 The three we sent from off th' enchanting ground 

 We dragg'd reluctant, and by force we bound ; 

 The rest in haste forsook the pleasing shore, 

 Or, the charm tasted, had return'd no more. 



Horn. Odyss. 



