title: Homer: The Essential Homer
author: Homer
description: "The definitive English version of Homer for our time." -- <i>The Common Review</i>
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  And Only to Deceive
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  TASHA ALEXANDER
  
  ![](images/00003.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  FOR MATT
  
  "my soul's far better part..."
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [On first looking into](index_split_004.html#filepos3309)  
  [ Chapman's Homer](index_split_004.html#filepos3309)
  
  > Much have I travell'd in the realms of gold,
  
  > And many goodly states and kingdoms seen;
  
  > Round many western islands have I been
  
  > Which bards in fealty to Apollo hold.
  
  > Oft of one wide expanse had I been told
  
  > That deep-brow'd Homer ruled as his demesne;
  
  > Yet did I never breathe its pure serene
  
  > Till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold:
  
  > Then felt I like some watcher of the skies
  
  > When a new planet swims into his ken;
  
  > Or like stout Cortez, when with eagle eyes
  
  > He star'd at the Pacific-and all his men
  
  > Look'd at each other with a wild surmise—
  
  > Silent, upon a peak in Darien.
  
  > > > > > > -JOHN KEATS
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Contents
  
  
  [On first looking into Chapman's Homer](index_split_003.html#filepos1020)
  
  
  [1](ind