The Odyssey, Book Twenty-Three by Jorge Luis Borges

The Odyssey, Book Twenty-Three

by Jorge Luis Borges

Translated by William Baer

Already the iron sword of the king has spread 

its bloody vengeance. Justice is done. 

His arrows and lance have found each and every one 

of the insolent suitors who now lie bloodless and dead. 

Despite the efforts of a god to undermine 

this king, Ulysses has returned to queen and realm, 

in spite of storming plots to overwhelm 

his ship, in spite of Ares' cries and murderous design. 

And now, in the warm love of their bridal bed, 

the luminous queen lies sleeping with her head 

on the chest of her king. So where's that castaway 

who during his exile, night and day, would run 

across the world like a wild dog and say 

to monsters that his name was "No One"?