the man in full

Laomedon stiffed gods who'd built his wall
wise fool! to think he'd never have to pay;
his heirs and children wept to see them fall.
Immortals--in due course--will have their way.
Tythonis took a goddess for his wife
and only later realized the truth
it's burdensome to have eternal life
unless that contract grants unending youth.
Odysseus kept Circe at arm's-length
although for years the twain had shared a bed.
Penelope's bond showed the greater strength;
this hero's heart's at home, where he first wed.
The first exultant in Man's mortal lot
the heir of Sisyphos knows what he's not.