aee Beaalalealefel SSGENE 5'- NARRATOR I: So after many days at sea, the stores of, food are depleted, and the men begin to gaze long- ingly at the horizon, wondering how long before they starve. NARRATOR 2: And they begin to think of mutiny. SOLDIER I: I say we take over this ship. Odysseus is mad. We have been waiting for our homecoming for years, We have no food, just chunks of old bread. SOLDIER 2: Odysseus has been a decent leader—he is determined to get home. I'll stick by him, We're all hungry—including him. SOLDIER 3: But how do we know he is taking us in the tight direction? He could be leading us to some new and wretched adventure. SOLDIER 4: Look, there is an island on the horizon! NARRATOR I: All rush to the ship’s edge, and indeed, they see an inhospitable land with very few trees and very big rocks. NARRATOR 2: So Odysseus and twelve men form a landing party to search for a source of food and water, ODYSSEUS: Come on, men—I think I smell roast lamb. SOLDIER 5: It's coming from the direction of those caves over there, sir. SOLDIER I: I sce some movement up there among the boulders. NARRATOR I: The empty bellies of the men made them ‘mad for nourishment, and the savory aroma led them to the mouth of a great cave. NARRATOR 2: Little did they know that the cave was home to one of the Cyclopes—a fierce race of man- cating giants that had at one time the highest honor of making thunderbolts for Zeus himself. POLYPHEMUS: I, Polyphemus, love stormy weather because it dashes ships upon the rocks. The sea throws up drowning sailors. Today's choice morsels cannot resist 2 hot meal. My lambs on a spit will lure them to their deaths—and to my supper. (He hides inside the cave.) 46 ele el eee SOLDIER I: Look si, roast lamb. Hot. My mouth waters just thinking of it. SOLDIER 2: And look, great baskets of cheeses, SOLDIER 3: I must cat. I haven't had food for three days. Let me by. (He rushes past them. They all run afier him into the cave and up to the fire.) ODYSSEUS: Men, control yourselves. Remember the others. We must temper our cravings and— NARRATOR I: Bur before he can finish his sentence, Polyphemus rolls a rock in front of the cave entrance and comes after them. NARRATOR 2: He picks up two men, bashes them together, and eats them ravenously. The other men cower in a corner, whimpering. SOLDIER 4: Can the gods be so cruel? We are doomed, oh. SOLDIER 5: Oh, why did I agree to come ashore? e) elt ODYSSEUS: Control yourselves. The only way t0 survive is by our wits and to come up with a plan. ‘We must keep our heads! NARRATOR I: So with the sounds of bone-crunching chews to inspire him, Odysseus tries to come up with a plan. ODYSSEUS: Oh, Great One, whom shall we thank for the kindness of your hospitality? POLYPHEMUS: I am Polyphemus, son of Poseidon, God of the Sea. ODYSSEUS: For so generous a host, may I present for your enjoyment a deliciously sweet wine—very like ambrosia to one’s palate. NARRATOR 2: Odysseus leaves a cask of wine near the fire and retreats back into the shadows. POLYPHEMUS: My little friend, ic will please me to relax a while before I nourish myself with your bones. In return for your generosity I will eat you last. What is your name? (He drinks from the cask.) ‘ODYSSEUS: Nobody. I am Nobody. POLYPHEMUS: How right you are. Delicious wine, Nobody: You are a man with distinctive tastes. ODYSSEUS: If it pleases you, enjoy it in its entirety. Often the best drops are on the bottom, where you find the sediment of a thousand sweet grapes. end Aka lie Th ad Th oc an he Ari Shs