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But the white-armed Nausicaa took other counsel. She folded the raiment and put it in the fair wagon, and yoked the stout-hoofed mules, and mounted the car herself. Then she hailed Odysseus, and spoke and addressed him: 255 “Rouse thee now, stranger, to go to the city, that I may escort thee to the house of my wise father, where, I tell thee, thou shalt come to know all the noblest of the Phaeacians. Only do thou thus, and, methinks, thou dost not lack understanding: so long as we are passing through the country and the tilled fields of men go thou quickly 260 with the handmaids behind the mules and the wagon, and I will lead the way. But when we are about to enter the city, around which runs a lofty wall,—a fair harbor lies on either side of the city and the entrance is narrow, and curved ships 265 are drawn up along the road, for they all have stations for their ships, each man one for himself. There, too, is their place of assembly about the fair temple of Poseidon, fitted with huge¹ stones set deep in the earth. Here the men are busied with the tackle of their black ships, with cables and sails, and here they shape the thin oar-blades. 270 For the Phaeacians care not for bow or quiver, but for masts and oars of ships, and for the shapely ships, rejoicing in which they cross over the grey sea. It is their ungentle speech that I shun, lest hereafter some man should taunt me, for indeed there are insolent folk in the land, 275 and thus might some baser fellow say, shall he meet us: ‘Who is this that follows Nausicaa, a comely man and tall, a stranger? Where did she find him? He will doubtless be a husband for her. Haply she has brought from his ship some wanderer of a folk that dwell afar—for none are near us— 280 or some god, long prayed-for, has come down from heaven in answer to her prayers, and she will have him as her husband all her days. Better so, even if she has herself gone forth and found a husband from another people; for of a truth she scorns the Phaeacians here in the land, where she has wooers many and noble!’ 285 So will they say, and this would become a reproach to me. Yea, I would myself blame another maiden who should do such thing, and in despite of her dear father and mother, while yet they live, should consort with men before the day of open marriage.

Odyssey. Homer. A. T. Murray (Translator). London. 1919.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.

Current edition Perseus

Odyssey (English) (Homer. The Odyssey, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), translator. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.)

Editions (1)

Ὀδύσσεια Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), editor. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.) — 6.251 focus

αὐτὰρ Ναυσικάα λευκώλενος ἄλλʼ ἐνόησεν·

εἵματʼ ἄρα πτύξασα τίθει καλῆς ἐπʼ ἀπήνης,

ζεῦξεν δʼ ἡμιόνους κρατερώνυχας, ἂν δʼ ἔβη αὐτή,

ὤτρυνεν δʼ Ὀδυσῆα, ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

ὄρσεο δὴ νῦν, ξεῖνε, πόλινδʼ ἴμεν ὄφρα σε πέμψω

255

πατρὸς ἐμοῦ πρὸς δῶμα δαΐφρονος, ἔνθα σέ φημι

πάντων Φαιήκων εἰδησέμεν ὅσσοι ἄριστοι.

ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ὧδʼ ἔρδειν, δοκέεις δέ μοι οὐκ ἀπινύσσειν·

ὄφρʼ ἂν μέν κʼ ἀγροὺς ἴομεν καὶ ἔργʼ ἀνθρώπων,

τόφρα σὺν ἀμφιπόλοισι μεθʼ ἡμιόνους καὶ ἄμαξαν

260

καρπαλίμως ἔρχεσθαι· ἐγὼ δʼ ὁδὸν ἡγεμονεύσω.

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν πόλιος ἐπιβήομεν, ἣν πέρι πύργος

ὑψηλός, καλὸς δὲ λιμὴν ἑκάτερθε πόληος,

λεπτὴ δʼ εἰσίθμη· νῆες δʼ ὁδὸν ἀμφιέλισσαι

εἰρύαται· πᾶσιν γὰρ ἐπίστιόν ἐστιν ἑκάστῳ.

265

ἔνθα δέ τέ σφʼ ἀγορὴ καλὸν Ποσιδήιον ἀμφίς,

ῥυτοῖσιν λάεσσι κατωρυχέεσσʼ ἀραρυῖα.

ἔνθα δὲ νηῶν ὅπλα μελαινάων ἀλέγουσι,

πείσματα καὶ σπεῖρα, καὶ ἀποξύνουσιν ἐρετμά.

οὐ γὰρ Φαιήκεσσι μέλει βιὸς οὐδὲ φαρέτρη,

270

ἀλλʼ ἱστοὶ καὶ ἐρετμὰ νεῶν καὶ νῆες ἐῖσαι,

ᾗσιν ἀγαλλόμενοι πολιὴν περόωσι θάλασσαν.

τῶν ἀλεείνω φῆμιν ἀδευκέα, μή τις ὀπίσσω

μωμεύῃ· μάλα δʼ εἰσὶν ὑπερφίαλοι κατὰ δῆμον·

καί νύ τις ὧδʼ εἴπῃσι κακώτερος ἀντιβολήσας·

275

τίς δʼ ὅδε Ναυσικάᾳ ἕπεται καλός τε μέγας τε

ξεῖνος; ποῦ δέ μιν εὗρε; πόσις νύ οἱ ἔσσεται αὐτῇ.

ἦ τινά που πλαγχθέντα κομίσσατο ἧς ἀπὸ νηὸς

ἀνδρῶν τηλεδαπῶν, ἐπεὶ οὔ τινες ἐγγύθεν εἰσίν·

ἤ τίς οἱ εὐξαμένῃ πολυάρητος θεὸς ἦλθεν

280

οὐρανόθεν καταβάς, ἕξει δέ μιν ἤματα πάντα.

βέλτερον, εἰ καὐτή περ ἐποιχομένη πόσιν εὗρεν

ἄλλοθεν· ἦ γὰρ τούσδε γʼ ἀτιμάζει κατὰ δῆμον

Φαίηκας, τοί μιν μνῶνται πολέες τε καὶ ἐσθλοί.

ὣς ἐρέουσιν, ἐμοὶ δέ κʼ ὀνείδεα ταῦτα γένοιτο.

285

καὶ δʼ ἄλλῃ νεμεσῶ, ἥ τις τοιαῦτά γε ῥέζοι,

ἥ τʼ ἀέκητι φίλων πατρὸς καὶ μητρὸς ἐόντων,

ἀνδράσι μίσγηται, πρίν γʼ ἀμφάδιον γάμον ἐλθεῖν.

288

ξεῖνε, σὺ δʼ ὦκʼ ἐμέθεν ξυνίει ἔπος, ὄφρα τάχιστα

πομπῆς καὶ νόστοιο τύχῃς παρὰ πατρὸς ἐμοῖο.

290

δήεις ἀγλαὸν ἄλσος Ἀθήνης ἄγχι κελεύθου

αἰγείρων· ἐν δὲ κρήνη νάει, ἀμφὶ δὲ λειμών·

ἔνθα δὲ πατρὸς ἐμοῦ τέμενος τεθαλυῖά τʼ ἀλωή,

τόσσον ἀπὸ πτόλιος, ὅσσον τε γέγωνε βοήσας.

ἔνθα καθεζόμενος μεῖναι χρόνον, εἰς ὅ κεν ἡμεῖς

295

ἄστυδε ἔλθωμεν καὶ ἱκώμεθα δώματα πατρός.

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν ἡμέας ἔλπῃ ποτὶ δώματʼ ἀφῖχθαι,

καὶ τότε Φαιήκων ἴμεν ἐς πόλιν ἠδʼ ἐρέεσθαι

δώματα πατρὸς ἐμοῦ μεγαλήτορος Ἀλκινόοιο.

ῥεῖα δʼ ἀρίγνωτʼ ἐστί, καὶ ἂν πάϊς ἡγήσαιτο

300

νήπιος· οὐ μὲν γάρ τι ἐοικότα τοῖσι τέτυκται

δώματα Φαιήκων, οἷος δόμος Ἀλκινόοιο

ἥρωος. ἀλλʼ ὁπότʼ ἄν σε δόμοι κεκύθωσι καὶ αὐλή,

ὦκα μάλα μεγάροιο διελθέμεν, ὄφρʼ ἂν ἵκηαι

μητέρʼ ἐμήν· ἡ δʼ ἧσται ἐπʼ ἐσχάρῃ ἐν πυρὸς αὐγῇ,

305

ἠλάκατα στρωφῶσʼ ἁλιπόρφυρα, θαῦμα ἰδέσθαι,

κίονι κεκλιμένη· δμωαὶ δέ οἱ εἵατʼ ὄπισθεν.

ἔνθα δὲ πατρὸς ἐμοῖο θρόνος ποτικέκλιται αὐτῇ,

τῷ ὅ γε οἰνοποτάζει ἐφήμενος ἀθάνατος ὥς.

τὸν παραμειψάμενος μητρὸς περὶ γούνασι χεῖρας

310

βάλλειν ἡμετέρης, ἵνα νόστιμον ἦμαρ ἴδηαι

χαίρων καρπαλίμως, εἰ καὶ μάλα τηλόθεν ἐσσί.

εἴ κέν τοι κείνη γε φίλα φρονέῃσʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ,

ἐλπωρή τοι ἔπειτα φίλους τʼ ἰδέειν καὶ ἱκέσθαι

οἶκον ἐυκτίμενον καὶ σὴν ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν.

315

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασʼ ἵμασεν μάστιγι φαεινῇ

ἡμιόνους· αἱ δʼ ὦκα λίπον ποταμοῖο ῥέεθρα.

αἱ δʼ ἐὺ μὲν τρώχων, ἐὺ δὲ πλίσσοντο πόδεσσιν·

ἡ δὲ μάλʼ ἡνιόχευεν, ὅπως ἅμʼ ἑποίατο πεζοὶ

ἀμφίπολοί τʼ Ὀδυσεύς τε, νόῳ δʼ ἐπέβαλλεν ἱμάσθλην.

320

δύσετό τʼ ἠέλιος καὶ τοὶ κλυτὸν ἄλσος ἵκοντο

ἱρὸν Ἀθηναίης, ἵνʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετο δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς.

αὐτίκʼ ἔπειτʼ ἠρᾶτο Διὸς κούρῃ μεγάλοιο·

κλῦθί μευ, αἰγιόχοιο Διὸς τέκος, Ἀτρυτώνη·

νῦν δή πέρ μευ ἄκουσον, ἐπεὶ πάρος οὔ ποτʼ ἄκουσας

325

ῥαιομένου, ὅτε μʼ ἔρραιε κλυτὸς ἐννοσίγαιος.

δός μʼ ἐς Φαίηκας φίλον ἐλθεῖν ἠδʼ ἐλεεινόν.

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχόμενος, τοῦ δʼ ἔκλυε Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη.

αὐτῷ δʼ οὔ πω φαίνετʼ ἐναντίη· αἴδετο γάρ ῥα

πατροκασίγνητον· ὁ δʼ ἐπιζαφελῶς μενέαινεν

330

ἀντιθέῳ Ὀδυσῆι πάρος ἣν γαῖαν ἱκέσθαι.

Translations (8)

Odyssey Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey: rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original. Butler, Samuel, 1835-1902, translator. Revised by Timothy Power and Gregory Nagy. London: A.C. Fifield, 1900.) — 6.255 focus

255 "Stranger," said she, "rise and let us be going back to the town; I will introduce you at the house of my excellent father, where I can tell you that you will meet all the best people among the Phaeacians. But be sure and do as I bid you, for you seem to be a sensible person. As long as we are going past the fields - and farm lands, follow briskly behind the wagon along with the maids and I will lead the way myself. Presently, however, we shall come to the town, where you will find a high wall running all round it, and a good harbor on either side with a narrow entrance into the city, and the ships will be drawn up by the road side, for every one has a place where his own ship can lie. You will see the market place with a temple of Poseidon in the middle of it, and paved with large stones bedded in the earth. Here people deal in ship's gear of all kinds, such as cables and sails, and here, too, are the places where oars are made, for the Phaeacians are not a nation of archers; they know nothing about bows and arrows, but are a sea-faring folk, and pride themselves on their masts, oars, and ships, with which they travel far over the sea.

273 "I am afraid of the gossip and scandal that may be set on foot against me later on; for the people in the dêmos here are very ill-natured, and some lowly person, if he met us, might say, ‘Who is this fine-looking stranger that is going about with Nausicaa? Where did she find him? I suppose she is going to marry him. Perhaps he is a vagabond sailor whom she has taken from some foreign vessel, for we have no neighbors; or some god has at last come down from heaven in answer to her prayers, and she is going to live with him all the rest of her life. It would be a better thing if she would take herself away and find a husband somewhere else, for she will not look at one of the many excellent young Phaeacians in the dêmos who woo her.’ This is the kind of disparaging remark that would be made about me, and I could not complain, for I should myself be scandalized at seeing any other girl do the like, and go about with men in spite of everybody, while her father and mother were still alive, and without having been married in the face of all the world.

289 "If, therefore, you want my father to give you an escort and to help you home [ nostos], do as I bid you; you will see a beautiful grove of poplars by the road side dedicated to Athena; it has a well in it and a meadow all round it. Here my father has a field of fertile garden ground, about as far from the town as a man's voice will carry. Sit down there and wait for a while till the rest of us can get into the town and reach my father's house. Then, when you think we must have done this, come into the town and ask the way to the house of my father Alkinoos. You will have no difficulty in finding it; any child will point it out to you, for no one else in the whole town has anything like such a fine house as he has. When you have got past the gates and through the outer court, go right across the inner court till you come to my mother. You will find her sitting by the fire and spinning her purple wool by firelight. It is a fine sight to see her as she leans back against one of the bearing-posts with her maids all ranged behind her. Close to her seat stands that of my father, on which he sits and topes like an immortal god. Never mind him, but go up to my mother, and lay your hands upon her knees if you would get home quickly. If you can win her over, you may hope to see your own country again, no matter how distant it may be."

316 So saying she lashed the mules with her whip and they left the river. The mules drew well and their hoofs went up and down upon the road. She was careful not to go too fast for Odysseus and the maids who were following on foot along with the wagon, so she plied her whip with judgment [ noos]. As the sun was going down they came to the sacred grove of Athena, and there Odysseus sat down and prayed to the mighty daughter of Zeus.

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 6.251 focus

Meanwhile, Nausicaa of the white arms turned her thoughts to another matter. She got the linen folded and placed in the wagon, she then yoked the mules, and, as she took her seat, she called Odysseus:

[255] “Stranger,” said she, “rise and let us be going back to the town; I will introduce you at the house of my excellent father, where I can tell you that you will meet all the best people among the Phaeacians. But be sure and do as I bid you, for you seem to be a sensible person. As long as we are going past the fields and farm lands, [260] follow briskly behind the wagon along with the maids and I will lead the way myself. Presently, however, we shall come to the town, where you will find a high wall running all round it, and a good harbor on either side with a narrow entrance into the city, [265] and the ships will be drawn up by the roadside, for every one has a place where his own ship can lie. You will see the market place with a temple of Poseidon in the middle of it, and paved with large stones bedded in the earth. Here people deal in ship’s gear of all kinds, such as cables and sails, and here, too, are the places where oars are made, [270] for the Phaeacians are not a nation of archers; they know nothing about bows and arrows, but are a sea-faring folk, and pride themselves on their masts, oars, and ships, with which they travel far over the sea.

I am afraid of the gossip and scandal that may be set on foot against me later on; for the people in the dēmos here are very ill-natured, [275] and some lowly man, if he met us, might say, ‘Who is this fine-looking stranger that is going about with Nausicaa? Where did she find him? I suppose she is going to marry him. Perhaps he is a vagabond sailor whom she has taken from some foreign vessel, for we have no neighbors; [280] or some god has at last come down from the sky in answer to her prayers, and she is going to live with him all the rest of her life. It would be a better thing if she would take herself away and find a husband somewhere else, for she will not look at one of the many excellent young Phaeacians in the dēmos who woo her.’ [285] This is the kind of disparaging remark that would be made about me, and I could not complain, for I should myself be scandalized at seeing any other girl do the like, and go about with men in spite of everybody, while her father and mother were still alive, and without having been married in the face of all the world.

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873)) — 6.251 focus

White-armed Nausicaä then had other cares.

She placed the smoothly folded robes within

The sumptuous chariot, yoked the firm-hoofed mules,

320

And mounted to her place, and from the seat

Spake kindly, counselling Ulysses thus : -

"Now, stranger, rise and follow to the town,

And to my royal father's palace I

Will be thy guide, where, doubt not, thou wilt meet

325

The noblest men of our Phæacian race.

But do as I advise, - for not inapt

I deem thee. While we traverse yet the fields

Among the tilth, keep thou among my train

Of maidens, following fast behind the mules

330

And chariot. I will lead thee in the way.

But when our train goes upward toward the town,

Fenced with its towery wall, and on each side

Embraced by a fair haven, with a strait

Of narrow entrance, where our well-oared barks

335

Have each a mooring-place along the road,

And there round Neptune's glorious fane extends

A market-place, surrounded by huge stones,

Dragged from the quarry hither, where is kept

The rigging of the barks, sail-cloth and ropes,

340

And oars are polished there, for little reck

Phæacians of the quiver and the bow,

And give most heed to masts and shrouds and ships

Well poised, in which it is their pride to cross

The foamy deep, - when there I would not bring

345

Rude taunts upon myself, for in the crowd

Are brutal men. One of the baser sort

Perchance might say, on meeting us: 'What man,

Handsome and lusty-limbed, is he who thus

Follows Nausicaä? where was it her luck

350

To find him? will he be her husband yet?

Perhaps she brings some wanderer from his ship,

A stranger from strange lands, for we have here

No neighbors; or, perhaps, it is a god

Called down by fervent prayer from heaven to dwell

355

Henceforth with her. 'T is well if she have found

A husband elsewhere, since at home she meets

Her many noble wooers with disdain ;

They are Phæacians.' Thus the crowd would say,

And it would bring reproach upon my name.

360

I too would blame another who should do

The like, and, while her parents were alive,

Without their knowledge should consort with men

Before her marriage.

English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858)) — 6.251 focus

Now on return her care Nausicaa bends,

The robes resumes, the glittering car ascends,

300

Far blooming o'er the field; and as she press'd

The splendid seat, the listening chief address'd:

Nausicaa

"Stranger, arise! the sun rolls down the day,

Lo, to the palace I direct thy way;

Where in high state the nobles of the land
305

Attend my royal sire, a radiant band.

But hear, though wisdom in thy soul presides,

Speaks from thy tongue, and every action guides;

Advance at distance, while I pass the plain

Where o'er the furrows waves the golden grain:
310

Alone I reascend. With airy mounds

A strength of wall the guarded city bounds:

The jutting land two ample bays divides;

Full through the narrow mouths descend the tides;

The spacious basins arching rocks enclose,
315

A sure defence from every storm that blows.

Close to the bay great Neptune's fane adjoins;

And near, a forum flank'd with marble shines,

Where the bold youth, the numerous fleets to store,

Shape the broad sail, or smooth the taper oar:
320

For not the bow they bend, nor boast the skill

To give the feather'd arrow wings to kill;

But the tall mast above the vessel rear,

Or teach the fluttering sail to float in air.

They rush into the deep with eager joy,
325

Climb the steep surge, and through the tempest fly;

A proud, unpolish'd race. To me belongs

The care to shun the blast of slanderous tongues;

Lest malice, prone the virtuous to defame,

Thus with vile censure taint my spotless name:
330

'What stranger this, whom thus Nausicaa leads?

Heavens, with what graceful majesty he treads!

Perhaps a native of some distant shore,

The future consort of her bridal hour:

Or rather some descendant of the skies:
335

Won by her prayer, th' aërial bridegroom flies.

Heaven on that hour its choicest influence shed,

That gave a foreign spouse to crown her bed!

All, all the godlike worthies that adorn,

This realm, she flies: Phaeacia is her scorn.'
340

And just the blame; for female innocence

Not only flies the guilt, but shuns th' offence;

Th' unguarded virgin, as unchaste, I blame;

And the least freedom with the sex is shame,

Till our consenting sires a spouse provide,
345

And public nuptials justify the bride.

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 6.251 focus

Nausicaa went up with maidens two,

And then unto Ulysses did she call,

240

English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 6.251 focus

But Nausicaa now

Thought of the more grace she did lately vow,

Had horse to chariot join'd, and up she rose,

Up cheer'd her guest, and said: "Guest, now dispose

395

Yourself for town, that I may let you see

My father's court, where all the peers will be

Of our Phæacian state. At all parts, then,

Observe to whom and what place y' are t' attain;

Though I need usher you with no advice,

400

Since I suppose you absolutely wise.

While we the fields pass, and men's labours there,

So long, in these maids' guides, directly bear

Upon my chariot (I must go before

For cause that after comes, to which this more

405

Be my induction) you shall then soon end

Your way to town, whose towers you see ascend

To such a steepness. On whose either side

A fair port stands, to which is nothing wide

An enterer's passage; on whose both hands ride

410

Ships in fair harbours; which once past, you win

The goodly market-place (that circles in

A fane to Neptune, built of curious stone,

And passing ample) where munition,

Gables, and masts, men make, and polish'd oars;

415

For the Phæacians are not conquerors

By bows nor quivers; oars, masts, ships they are

With which they plough the sea, and wage their war.

And now the cause comes why I lead the way,

Not taking you to coach: The men, that sway

420

In work of those tools that so fit our state,

Are rude mechanicals, that rare and late

Work in the market-place; and those are they

Whose bitter tongues I shun, who straight would say,

(For these vile vulgars are extremely proud,

425

And foully-languag'd) What is he, allowed

To coach it with Nausicaa, so large set,

And fairly fashion'd? Where were these two met?

He shall be sure her husband. She hath been

Gadding in some place, and, of foreign men

430

Fitting her fancy, kindly brought him home

¹²³

In her own ship. He must, of force, be come

From some far region; we have no such man.

It may be, praying hard, when her heart ran

On some wish'd husband, out of heaven some God

435

Dropp'd in her lap; and there lies she at road

Her complete life time. But, in sooth, if she,

Ranging abroad, a husband, such as he

Whom now we saw, laid hand on, she was wise,

For none of all our nobles are of prize

440

Enough for her; he must beyond sea come,

That wins her high mind, and will have her home.

Of our peers many have importuned her,

Yet she will none.' Thus these folks will confer

Behind my back; or, meeting, to my face

445

The foul-mouth rout dare put home this disgrace.

And this would be reproaches to my fame,

For, even myself just anger would inflame,

If any other virgin I should see,

Her parents living, keep the company

450

Of any man to any end of love,

Till open nuptials should her act approve.

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 6.251 focus

On other thoughts meantime intent, her charge

Of folded vestments neat the Princess placed

Within the royal wain, then yoked the mules,

And to her seat herself ascending call'd

315

Ulysses to depart, and thus she spake.

Up, stranger! seek the city. I will lead

Thy steps toward my royal Father's house,

Where all Phæacia's Nobles thou shalt see.

But thou (for I account thee not unwise,)

320

This course pursue. While through the fields we pass,

And labours of the rural hind, so long

With my attendants follow fast the mules

And sumpter-carriage. I will be thy guide.

But, once the summit gain'd, on which is built

325

Our city with proud bulwarks fenced around,

And laved on both sides by its pleasant port

Of narrow entrance, where our gallant barks

Line all the road, each station'd in her place,

And where, adjoining close the splendid fane

330

Of Neptune, stands the forum with huge stones

From quarries thither drawn, constructed strong,

In which the rigging of their barks they keep

Sail-cloth and cordage, and make smooth their oars;

(For bow and quiver the Phæacian race

335

Heed not, but masts and oars, and ships well-poised,

With which exulting they divide the flood,)

Then, cautious, I would shun their bitter taunts

Disgustful, lest they mock me as I pass;

For of the meaner people some are coarse

340

In the extreme, and it may chance that one,

The basest there, seeing us shall exclaim,—

What handsome stranger of athletic form

Attends the Princess? Where had she the chance

To find him? We shall see them wedded soon.

345

Either she hath received some vagrant guest

From distant lands, (for no land neighbours ours,)

Or by her prayers incessant won, some God

Hath left the heavens to be for ever hers.

'Tis well if she have found, by her own search,

350

An husband for herself, since she accounts

The nobles of Phæacia, who her hand

Solicit numerous, worthy to be scorn'd.—

Thus will they speak injurious. I should blame

A virgin guilty of such conduct much,

355

Myself, who reckless of her parents' will,

Should so familiar with a man consort,

English (H. B. Cotterill, 1911) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (H. B. Cotterill, 1911)) — 6 focus

ODYSSEY BOOK VI

HERE then slumbering lay long-suffering godlike Odysseus

All o'ermastered by sleep and by weariness, while that Athene

Hastened to visit the land Phaeacia's city and people.

These once dwelt in the city of spacious squares Hypereia,

Near the Cyclopian people, a race that with pride overweening

Harried them ever and spoiled them and proved more mighty in warfare.

Godlike Nausithöus thence moved them and found them an island,

Scheria, distant from all bread-nourished races of mortals.

Here did he circle a city with ramparts and builded the houses;

Shrines for the gods he erected and meted the bounds of the corn-lands.

Conquered howbeit by Fate had he gone to the mansion of Hades.

Now reigned Alcinous, who was wise by the counsels of heaven.

His was the mansion she entered, the grey-eyed goddess Athene,

Planning to bring once more to his home great-hearted Odysseus.

Straight to a rich-wrought chamber she went, wherein was a maiden

Slumbering, like to a goddess immortal in form and in feature,

Nausicäa, sole daughter of Alcinous great-hearted.

Near to her two of her damsels, of beauty endowed by the Graces,

Lay by the post of the door, and shut was the glittering portal,

Yet as a breath of the air to the couch of the maiden the goddess

Glided, and standing anigh to her head these words she addressed her,

Taking the form of the daughter of Dymas, mariner famous,

One that in age was her equal and dear to the soul of the maiden;

Such was the form, as she spake, of the grey-eyed goddess Athene:

"Nausicaa, how comes it thy mother has borne thee so heedless?

Lo, still wholly neglected thy glistering raiment is lying

While that thy wedding is nigh and thou needst right beautiful garments

Both for thyself and to give a supply to the friends that escort thee.

Yea too, such is the way in the which one's good reputation

Spreadeth abroad, and a daughter rejoiceth her father and mother.

So come, go we a-washing as soon as the daylight appeareth!

Lo, I will come as thy comrade and share in the labour, that quickly

All shall be ready; for soon we shall see thee a maiden no longer,

Since thou art woo'd by the best of the whole Phaeacian people,

Chiefs of the race from the which thou also thy lineage drawest.

Come and solicit thy father renown'd, that betimes in the morning

Mules and a wagon be harnessed in readiness, such as to carry

Girdles and garments and all our bundles of glistering bedding.

Yea, and for thee 'twere better to drive than wearily wend it

All upon foot; for the place of the washing is far from the city."

Thus did she speak, and departing the grey-eyed goddess Athene

Won to Olympus; for here, it is said, the abode everlasting

Stands of the gods, which winds ne'er shake nor ever a rain-storm

Wetteth, and never a snowflake falleth, but cloudless the aether

Spreadeth above, and over it floateth a radiant whiteness.

Here dwell happy the blesséd immortals for ever and ever.

Hither the goddess betook her whenas she had counselled the maiden.

Now in her glory enthroned came Morning, and soon she awakened

Fair-robed Nausicaa, who marvelling much at the vision

Passed to the outer apartment to make all known to her parents,

Even her father beloved and her mother; and soon did she find them.

Nigh to the hearth was her mother, amidst of the women her handmaids,

Spinning a wool of the rich sea-purple. Her father she happed on

Issuing forth of the palace to join the illustrious chieftains

Met in a council, to which Phaeacian nobles had called him.

Nigh to her well-loved father she stood while thus she addressed him :

"Father beloved, say, wouldst thou not bid them prepare me a wagon

Lofty and strong on the wheels, our beautiful clothing to carry

Down to the river—whatever is soiled? I am wishful to wash it.

Yea and for thee it is seemly, whene'er thou consortest with nobles,

Sitting at counsellor meetings, to wear clean clothes on thy body.

Five dear brothers moreover of mine were born in thy palace.

Two are wedded indeed; but the three are younger and lusty,

Clamouring alway to have their garments fresh from the washing

Ere to the dances they go. — Which things were ever my duty."

Thus did she speak, for her gladsome marriage it irked her to mention

E'en to her father beloved; but he noticed it all, and he answered:

"Neither the mules do I grudge thee, my child, nor anything other.

Go, an thou wilt and the servants shall soon make ready a wagon

Lofty and strong on the wheels, well fitted besides with an awning."

Thus did he speak and commanded the servants, who quickly obeying

Out in the court made ready a wain smooth-running, a wagon

Harnessed for mules and the mules were brought and yoked to the carriage.

Carrying then from her chamber the glistering garments the maiden

Carefully stowed them away in the smooth-wrought car of the wagon.

Then in a box were placed by her mother provisions delightsome,

Every kind, and the relish she added, and wine she decanted

Into the skin of a goat; and the maiden ascended the wagon.

Then in a vial of gold soft oil of the olive she gave her,

Bidding her bathe and anoint her, and also the women her handmaids.

So with the whip in her hand and the glistering reins did the maiden

Whip to a start; and a clatter arose, and the two mules tugging

Strained unflaggingly forward and carried the clothes and the maiden.

Neither alone did she fare: she was followed by others, her women.

Now when at last they arrived at the beautiful stream of the river,

Here the perennial basins they found where waters abundant

Welled up brightly enough for the cleansing of dirtiest raiment.

So their mules they unloosened from under the yoke of the wagon,

Letting them wander at will on the bank of the eddying river,

Browsing on clover as sweet as the honey, and then from the carriage

Bearing within their arms to the deep dark water the garments

Cast them in trenches and trod them in rivalry one with another.

So, when the raiment was washed and was thoroughly cleansed of the dirt-stains,

All on the shore of the ocean in order they spread on the shingle

Where it is washed by the tides of the sea as they sweep to the dry land.

Then did they bathe, and anointing themselves with the oil of the olive

Sat them adown to the midday meal on the bank of the river,

Leaving the garments to dry on the beach in the glare of the sunlight.

Now when in food they had fully delighted, both she and her maidens,

Casting aside their scarfs with a ball they betook them to playing,

100

White-armed Nausicaa with the choral melody leading.

E'en as descending a height moves Artemis, darter of arrows,

Either on Taygetus long-ridged or on huge Erymanthus,

Taking delight in the chase of the boar and of timorous roe-deer,

Whilst all round her the daughters of Zeus who beareth the aegis,

105

Nymphs of the woodland, play—and Leto sees it rejoicing;

Even as over the rest uplifting her brows and her forehead

Easily known in her beauty she stands, though fair be the others,

Thus shone forth in her beauty the maiden amidst her attendants.

Now when at last it was come to the moment of homeward returning,

110

After the mules were yoked and folded the beautiful garments,

Other was then the device of the grey-eyed goddess Athene,

E'en that Odysseus awaking and seeing the fair-faced maiden

Her might follow as guide and reach Phaeacia's city.

Seizing the ball, at a maiden among her attendants the princess

115

Flung it, but missing the maiden it fell in a bottomless eddy.

Piercingly all of them shrieked; and godlike Odysseus, awakened,

Sat straight up and pondered thereon in his heart and his spirit:

"Ah me! what is the folk whose country I now am arrived at ?

Dwell here savages wanton and wild, despisers of justice?

120

Have they a love for the stranger and hearts that revere the immortals?

Lo, how piercing a cry as of maidens ringeth around me,

Nymphs peradventure that dwell on precipitous summits of mountains,

Or by the fountain springs of the rivers and leas of the lowlands;

Else, maybe, I am near to a folk of articulate language.

125

Nay, go to, I will test for myself this matter and view it."

These words uttered, from under the bushes the godlike Odysseus

Issued, and breaking a branch with his powerful hand from the thicket

Girdled his body with leaves, its nakedness striving to cover.

Thus in the pride of his strength from his lair in the mountain a lion

130

Stalks forth soaked with the rain and battered with wind, and his two eyes

Flame as he prowleth abroad midst droves of the sheep and the oxen

Or on the track of the deer, and often his belly will bid him

Making assay on the flocks e'en strong-built granges to enter;

So to the fair-tressed maidens Odysseus was fain to betake him,

135

Though all naked his body—on such distress was he fallen.

Sight terrific he seemed to the maidens, disfigured with sea-brine.

Hastily hither and thither in panic they fled to the sand-spits.

Sole stood firmly the daughter of Alcinous; for Athene

Gave to her courage of heart and took from her limbs all trembling;

140

Facing him calmly she stood; and Odysseus pondered within him

Whether as suppliant clasping the knees of the beautiful maiden,

Or as he was, at a distance, to speak soft words of entertainment,

Begging her show him the city and grant him the gift of a garment.

Thus as he pondered thereon, this plan seemed surely the better,

145

Holding apart, from a distance, to speak soft words of entreaty,

Since that by clasping her knees he was fearful to anger the maiden.

Straightway therefore a word both gentle and cunning he uttered:

"Thee, O Queen, I implore. O.. whether a goddess or mortal!

Art thou a goddess of those who inhabit the infinite heaven—

150

Then it is Artemis surely, the daughter of Zeus the Almighty,

Both in thy form and thy stature and beauty to whom thou art likest.

Art thou a daughter of man, and dwellest on earth as a mortal,

Happy I deem, yea three times happy, thy mother and father,

PATTEN WILSON.
NAUSICAA AND ODYSSEUS

Happy and three times happy thy brothers; for surely exultant

155

Gloweth in gladness the spirit within them, whene'er they behold thee

Entering into the dance, so lovely a flower of girlhood.

Yet, ah, how in his heart more happy than every other

He that with gifts shall prevail and homeward lead thee as lover!

Never till now have seen mine eyes such beauty in mortal,

160

Man nor woman : amazement possesseth me while I behold it.

Suchlike wonder indeed by Apollo's altar in Delos

Once I beheld—uprearing its column a sapling of date-palm;

(Yea, e'en thither I came, and was followed by many a fighter,

Holding a course whereon sore sorrow was fated to meet us).

165

Even as then this wonder beholding I marvelled in spirit,

Long time gazing—for ne'er such shaft from the earth shot upward—

Thus, O lady, I marvel at thee and am greatly astonished,

Fearing thy knees to approach, though sorrow hath fallen upon me.

Yester-e'en to the shore I escaped from the wine-dark ocean.

170

Nineteen days from the isle Ogygia billows and storm-blasts

Ceaselessly bore me, and hither at last some deity cast me,

Planning, meseemeth, that still I shall suffer; for never, I fear me,

All of my travail shall end till the gods much more shall accomplish.

Nay, O Queen, have pity! To thee, outworn with my labours,

175

Lo, as a suppliant first I am come, and of others I know not

Any, of all of the folk that inhabit this town or the country.

Show me the city, and give me a garment, to cast it about me,

Even a rag, or the wrapper perchance that thou broughtst for the linen!

So shall the gods all blessings bestow that thy soul desireth—

180

Husband and home; and oneness of heart may heaven vouchsafe thee,

Blessing supreme—since nought can be wished that is greater and better

While united in heart and in mind are dwelling together

Husband and wife. 'Tis a sight brings sorrow to wishers of evil,

Joy to the wishers of good; but the joy in their hearts is the loudest."

185

Then spake white-armed Nausicaa, and addressed him in answer:

"Stranger, for truly thou seemest a man nor evil nor foolish—

Zeus, our Father in heaven, alone allotteth to mortals,

Unto the good as the evil, to each as he willeth, his fortune.

He, as I doubt not, hath given thee this thou wilt have to endure it.

190

Lo, now—since thou art come and hast reached our country and city,

Neither of clothes shalt thou fear to be lacking nor aught that thou needest,

Such as is due to the poor and the wretched from those that he meeteth.

Gladly the town will I show thee, and tell thee the name of the people:

Folk Phaeacian dwell in the land and inhabit the city.

195

I myself am the daughter of Alcinous great-hearted,

Even the king who upholds Phaeacia's might and dominion."

Thus did she speak, and exhorted the fair-tressed girls, her attendants:

"Tarry, my girls! Why thus at the sight of a man do ye scatter?

Surely ye never can hold him for one of a nation of foemen!

200

Not on the earth there's living the mortal, nor ever shall live one,

Such as shall come to the shores of the great Phaeacian people

Bringing the ravage of war; for the gods everlasting befriend us;

Yea, and apart do we dwell, far over the foam of the ocean,

Furthest of races, nor ever doth visit us other of mortals.

205

Lo—it is some poor wight that is come in his wanderings hither.

Him it is right that we help. It is Zeus our Father that sendeth

Strangers and beggars; and e'en though small, some gift will be grateful.

Therefore give to the stranger to eat and to drink, O maidens;

Bathe him too in the stream where 'gainst all wind is a covert."

210

Thus did she speak, and they halted and called each one to the other;

Then in a covert they seated Odysseus for so had commanded

Nausicaa, fair daughter of Alcinous great-hearted.

Also beside him they laid for his raiment a mantle and tunic,

While in a vial of gold soft oil of the olive they gave him,

215

Bidding him thoroughly cleanse him and bathe in the stream of the river.

Then forthwith to the maidens the godlike Odysseus addressed him :

"Handmaids, stand ye apart so long, until I shall wash me

Off from my shoulders the brine, and well with the oil of the olive

Rub me for truly anointing is long to my body a stranger.

220

Here in your presence I never will bathe, since shyness forbids me

Thus to divest me in front of the faces of fair-tressed maidens."

So did he speak, and returning again to the lady they told it.

Then in the stream of the river his body the godlike Odysseus

Cleansed of the brine all over his back and his shoulders encrusted,

225

Rinsing his hair from the foam of the barren expanses of ocean.

So when at last he was bathed and anointed with oil of the olive,

After himself he had clad in the garments, the gift of the maiden,

Then by Athena the goddess, the daughter of Zeus the Almighty,

Taller and stronger to view he was made, while down from his head fell

230

Clustering thickly the locks of his hair, as the flower hyacinthine.

Even as gold o'er silver is poured by an artist—a craftsman

Taught in his art by the god Hephaestus and Pallas Athene

Manifold skill, and of beauty is every work that he fashions;

Thus did she pour forth grace on the shoulders and head of Odysseus.

235

Then withdrawing he sat him adown on the shore of the ocean

Gleaming in beauty and grace, and with marvel the maiden beheld him,

Nausicaa; and she spake to the fair-tressed girls, her attendants:

"Hearken, my white-armed maidens, attend to the words that I utter!

Verily nought but the will of immortals that dwell in Olympus

240

Granteth this stranger to reach Phaeacia's glorious nation.

Erstwhile truly methought he was right ill-favoured in person;

Now he is like to the gods who the infinite heaven inhabit.

Would that a man like this might win him the name of my husband,

Should he be pleased to remain in the land and to settle amongst us!

245

Therefore give to the stranger to eat and to drink, O maidens!"

Thus did she speak, and attentive they listened and followed her bidding

Quickly they set both viands and drink by the side of the stranger.

Then did he drink and eat, long-suffering godlike Odysseus,

Eagerly—seeing in truth no food long while he had tasted.

250

White-armed Nausicaa in the meanwhile plotted it elsewise :

Folding the clothes, in the car of the beautiful wagon she laid them,

Ordered the strong-hoofed mules to be yoked, then, mounting the carriage,

Unto Odysseus she turned and thus she addressed him, and urged him :

"Rouse thee, stranger, to come to the city, that now I may bring thee

255

Unto my home; for my father is wise, and there in his palace

Soon thou shalt make thee acquainted with all Phaeacia's princes.

Lo now, thus shalt thou act and thou seemst not lacking in wisdom.

While in the fields and the meadows we pass and the tillage of farmers

Keep thee anigh to the maidens, and after the mules and the wagon

260

Hasten thy steps and follow us closely the way I shall guide thee.

After we enter the city around it a battlement runneth

Lofty, and lying to left and to right is a beautiful harbour.

Narrow the mouth of the port, and the mole is defended by vessels,

Twy-beaked galleys that lie on the slip, each one at its station.

265

Next is the square, that environs the beautiful shrine of Poseidon,

Fitted with flags hauled down from the quarries and deeply embedded.

Here one busily works at the black ships' tackle and rigging,

Cables and sails, and here one planes and tapers the oar-blades;

Since Phaeacian men care nothing for bows and for quivers;

270

Only for masts and for oarage they care and for well-built vessels,

Proudly rejoicing in which on the grey-green ocean they voyage.

Their rough slanderous speech will I shun, lest any hereafter

Utter reproach—and in truth right insolent folk are among them.

Ay, now too peradventure a clown might meet us and mutter :

275

Lo there, Nausicaa! Who follows her, burly and handsome ?

Plainly a foreigner! Where did she find him? 'Tis clearly a bridegroom!

Either she's got for a guest a deserter from one of the vessels,

One of a far-off race—since nobody liveth anigh us—

Or at her urgent entreaty a longed-for god is descended

280

Down from the heights of the heaven to have and to hold her for ever.

Better in sooth if she wanders abroad and procures her a husband

Elsewhere, seeing she holds in dishonour the men of her country,

All Phaeacian youths, so many and noble, that woo her.'

So will they speak; and for me such words might turn to dishonour;

285

Yea and myself would censure another for doing this action,

One that in spite of her friends, with her father and mother alive still,

Mingled with men, till come was the day of her open espousals.

Give now heed to my words, O stranger, that quickly as may be

Escort safe and return to thy country my father shall grant thee.

290

Nigh to the road thou'lt find a luxuriant grove of Athene,

Where amid poplars welleth a fount; and around is a meadow.

Near to the place is my father's domain with a flourishing orchard,

Lying as far from the town as the voice of a shouter will carry.

Here shalt thou seat thee and rest thee awhile, till into the city

295

I and my maidens be come and arrived at the house of my father.

Now when at last thou shalt deem us assuredly come to the palace,

Start once more, and passing within Phaeacia's city

Ask for the house of my sire, King Alcinous great-hearted.

Easily known is the palace, and even a boy will direct thee,

300

Even a child, since like to the house none other is builded,

No Phaeacian dwelling—so goodly the home of the hero

Alcinous. Now, passing the shade of the court and the outhouse,

Hastily traverse the hall, until to my mother thou comest.

Here doth she sit at the side of the hearth in the glow of the firelight

305

Spinning a wool of the deep-sea purple, a wonder to gaze at.

Leaning her chair on a pillar she sitteth with maidens behind her.

Close to the chair of the queen there leaneth the throne of my father.

Here doth he sit when he draineth his wine-cup like an immortal.

Him pass hastily by, but my mother approach, and entreat her

310

Clasping her knees with thy hands; and the joyous day of returning

Soon shalt thou see—yea, though far distant lieth thy country.

Shouldst thou be able to gain of my mother her heart and her favour,

Then good hope will be thine to revisit thy friends and in safety

Win to thy well-built home once more and the land of thy fathers."

315

Thus did she speak, then raising above her the glistering whip-lash

Smote at the mules, and they left right quickly the streams of the river.

Briskly they trotted and briskly with paces inwoven they ambled,

While with the rein she withheld them, applying the lash with discretion,

So that the maids and Odysseus behind might easily follow.

320

Now was a-setting the sun, and they came to the glorious coppice,

Grove of Athena; and here did he seat him, the godlike Odysseus.

Forthwith then did he pray to the daughter of Zeus the Almighty:

"Daughter of Zeus who beareth the aegis, thou Maiden unwearied,

List, O list to me now—though never thou heardst me aforetime

325

Smit by the billows of ocean, when smote me the King Earth-shaker.

Grant me to win of the folk Phaeacian favour and pity!"

So did he speak in his prayer, and she hearkened, the goddess Athene,

Though not yet to his eyes she appeared in a manifest vision,

Fearing the brother of Zeus, who still in his furious anger

330

Raged at the godlike Odysseus—until he arrived at his homeland.

Notes on the current edition

Odyssey

1. 1

New Alexandria Commentaries

Gregory Nagy

Nausicaa, princess of the Phaeacians, makes her appearance as a potential but unattainable love-interest for Odysseus—and as a delight for all who find themselves irresistibly drawn into the story of her girlish but principled encounter with the enthralled hero.

draft js image error “Nausicaa” (1878), Frederick Leighton (English, 1830–1896). Image via Wikimedia Commons.

This Rhapsody belongs to Nausicaa. I spell her name in its familiar latinized form, with a c, since her fame extends far beyond the ancient Greek world, where she appears as Ναυσικάα. In any case, the name has a certain primacy of place. I have no idea who said it first, but I first heard it from the long-departed Sterling Dow in the early 1960s: if you look up all surviving ancient Greek names in reverse alphabetical order, the first one you see is Nausicaa = Ναυσικάα, while the very last of them all is Calypso = Καλυψώ. Surely we see here a coincidence, not some mysterious signal emanating from some grand cosmic plan, but the coincidence itself seems just as lovely as Nausicaa is lovely. Some critics view her as a youthful love-interest for Odysseus, matching Calypso as the hero’s divine love-interest. But such a view detracts from the loveliness: Nausicaa is meant to be a love-interest for all who hear her story—just as Calypso is a universal love-interest in her own story as told in Rhapsody 5. In the story of Nausicaa as told in Rhapsody 6, she is pictured as the perfect bride for any man fortunate enough to succeed in marrying her—and she knows it. The self-awareness of Nausicaa is shaped by the poetry that idealizes her eligibility by animating her beauty and her charm to the point where she becomes comparable to the goddess Artemis. Odysseus himself initiates the comparison and, by comparing the girl to the goddess, he is signaling to himself that Nausicaa, even if she does not know it yet, is for him enticingly unattainable.

source

See the anchor comment at O.04.489 on root duk-/deuk-‘continue’

This adjective adeukḗs occurs in contexts referring to an interrupted sequence. Nausicaa is concerned that the Phaeacians may say something, as expressed by the noun phēmis ‘something said’, that is adeukḗs for her reputation. Good reputation is conceived as a steady stream of speech, the interruption of which threatens to produce a bad reputation.

source

Homer Odyssey 6.251

A. T. Murray (Translator)

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Current edition Perseus

ODYSSEY BOOK VI

PATTEN WILSON.
NAUSICAA AND ODYSSEUS

Notes on the current edition

New Alexandria Commentaries

Stable identifiers

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Current edition Perseus

ODYSSEY BOOK VI

PATTEN WILSON. NAUSICAA AND ODYSSEUS

Notes on the current edition

New Alexandria Commentaries

Stable identifiers

PATTEN WILSON.
NAUSICAA AND ODYSSEUS