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1 So here Odysseus slept, overcome by sleep and toil; but Athena went off to the dêmos and city of the Phaeacians - a people who used to live in the fair town of Hypereia, near the lawless Cyclopes. Now the Cyclopes were stronger in force [ biê] than they and plundered them, so their king Nausithoos moved them thence and settled them in Scheria , far from all other people. He surrounded the city with a wall, built houses and temples, and divided the lands among his people; but he was dead and gone to the house of Hades, and King Alkinoos, whose counsels were inspired of heaven, was now reigning. To his house, then, did Athena go in furtherance of the return [ nostos] of Odysseus.

15 She went straight to the beautifully decorated bedroom in which there slept a girl who was as lovely as a goddess, Nausicaa, daughter to King Alkinoos. Two maid servants were sleeping near her, both very pretty, one on either side of the doorway, which was closed with well-made folding doors. Athena took the form of the famous sea leader Dymas’ daughter, who was a bosom friend of Nausicaa and just her own age; then, coming up to the girl's bedside like a breath of wind, she hovered over her head and said:

25 "Nausicaa, what can your mother have been about, to have such a lazy daughter? Here are your clothes all lying in disorder, yet you are going to be married almost immediately, and should not only be well dressed yourself, but should find good clothes for those who attend you. This is the way to get yourself a good name, and to make your father and mother proud of you. Suppose, then, that we make tomorrow a washing day, and start at daybreak. I will come and help you so that you may have everything ready as soon as possible, for all the best young men throughout your own dêmos are courting you, and you are not going to remain a young girl much longer. Ask your father, therefore, to have a wagon and mules ready for us at daybreak, to take the rugs, robes, and belts; and you can ride, too, which will be much pleasanter for you than walking, for the washing-cisterns are some way from the town."

41 When she had said this Athena went away to Olympus , which they say is the everlasting home of the gods. Here no wind beats roughly, and neither rain nor snow can fall; but it abides in everlasting sunshine and in a great peacefulness of light, wherein the blessed gods are illumined for ever and ever. This was the place to which the goddess went when she had given instructions to the girl.

Odyssey. Homer. Samuel Butler (Translator). London. 1900 (?).

Current edition Perseus

Odyssey (English) (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.)

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.) — 6.1 focus

ὣς ὁ μὲν ἔνθα καθεῦδε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

ὕπνῳ καὶ καμάτῳ ἀρημένος· αὐτὰρ Ἀθήνη

βῆ ῥʼ ἐς Φαιήκων ἀνδρῶν δῆμόν τε πόλιν τε,

οἳ πρὶν μέν ποτʼ ἔναιον ἐν εὐρυχόρῳ Ὑπερείῃ,

ἀγχοῦ Κυκλώπων ἀνδρῶν ὑπερηνορεόντων,

οἵ σφεας σινέσκοντο, βίηφι δὲ φέρτεροι ἦσαν.

ἔνθεν ἀναστήσας ἄγε Ναυσίθοος θεοειδής,

εἷσεν δὲ Σχερίῃ, ἑκὰς ἀνδρῶν ἀλφηστάων,

ἀμφὶ δὲ τεῖχος ἔλασσε πόλει, καὶ ἐδείματο οἴκους,

καὶ νηοὺς ποίησε θεῶν, καὶ ἐδάσσατʼ ἀρούρας.

ἀλλʼ ὁ μὲν ἤδη κηρὶ δαμεὶς Ἄϊδόσδε βεβήκει,

Ἀλκίνοος δὲ τότʼ ἦρχε, θεῶν ἄπο μήδεα εἰδώς.

τοῦ μὲν ἔβη πρὸς δῶμα θεά, γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη,

νόστον Ὀδυσσῆι μεγαλήτορι μητιόωσα.

βῆ δʼ ἴμεν ἐς θάλαμον πολυδαίδαλον, ᾧ ἔνι κούρη

κοιμᾶτʼ ἀθανάτῃσι φυὴν καὶ εἶδος ὁμοίη,

Ναυσικάα, θυγάτηρ μεγαλήτορος Ἀλκινόοιο,

πὰρ δὲ δύʼ ἀμφίπολοι, Χαρίτων ἄπο κάλλος ἔχουσαι,

σταθμοῖιν ἑκάτερθε· θύραι δʼ ἐπέκειντο φαειναί.

ἡ δʼ ἀνέμου ὡς πνοιὴ ἐπέσσυτο δέμνια κούρης,

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς, καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν,

εἰδομένη κούρῃ ναυσικλειτοῖο Δύμαντος,

ἥ οἱ ὁμηλικίη μὲν ἔην, κεχάριστο δὲ θυμῷ.

τῇ μιν ἐεισαμένη προσέφη γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

Ναυσικάα, τί νύ σʼ ὧδε μεθήμονα γείνατο μήτηρ;

εἵματα μέν τοι κεῖται ἀκηδέα σιγαλόεντα,

σοὶ δὲ γάμος σχεδόν ἐστιν, ἵνα χρὴ καλὰ μὲν αὐτὴν

ἕννυσθαι, τὰ δὲ τοῖσι παρασχεῖν, οἵ κέ σʼ ἄγωνται.

ἐκ γάρ τοι τούτων φάτις ἀνθρώπους ἀναβαίνει

ἐσθλή, χαίρουσιν δὲ πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ.

ἀλλʼ ἴομεν πλυνέουσαι ἅμʼ ἠοῖ φαινομένηφι·

καί τοι ἐγὼ συνέριθος ἅμʼ ἕψομαι, ὄφρα τάχιστα

ἐντύνεαι, ἐπεὶ οὔ τοι ἔτι δὴν παρθένος ἔσσεαι·

ἤδη γάρ σε μνῶνται ἀριστῆες κατὰ δῆμον

πάντων Φαιήκων, ὅθι τοι γένος ἐστὶ καὶ αὐτῇ.

ἀλλʼ ἄγʼ ἐπότρυνον πατέρα κλυτὸν ἠῶθι πρὸ

ἡμιόνους καὶ ἄμαξαν ἐφοπλίσαι, ἥ κεν ἄγῃσι

ζῶστρά τε καὶ πέπλους καὶ ῥήγεα σιγαλόεντα.

καὶ δὲ σοὶ ὧδʼ αὐτῇ πολὺ κάλλιον ἠὲ πόδεσσιν

ἔρχεσθαι· πολλὸν γὰρ ἀπὸ πλυνοί εἰσι πόληος.

ἡ μὲν ἄρʼ ὣς εἰποῦσʼ ἀπέβη γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη

Οὔλυμπόνδʼ, ὅθι φασὶ θεῶν ἕδος ἀσφαλὲς αἰεὶ

ἔμμεναι. οὔτʼ ἀνέμοισι τινάσσεται οὔτε ποτʼ ὄμβρῳ

δεύεται οὔτε χιὼν ἐπιπίλναται, ἀλλὰ μάλʼ αἴθρη

πέπταται ἀνέφελος, λευκὴ δʼ ἐπιδέδρομεν αἴγλη·

τῷ ἔνι τέρπονται μάκαρες θεοὶ ἤματα πάντα.

ἔνθʼ ἀπέβη γλαυκῶπις, ἐπεὶ διεπέφραδε κούρῃ.

Translations (8)

Odyssey Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), translator. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.) — 6.1 focus

1 So he lay there asleep, the much-enduring goodly Odysseus, overcome with sleep and weariness; but Athena went to the land and city of the Phaeacians. These dwelt of old in spacious Hypereia 5 hard by the Cyclopes, men overweening in pride who plundered them continually and were mightier than they. From thence Nausithous, the godlike, had removed them, and led and settled them in Scheria far from men that live by toil. About the city he had drawn a wall, he had built houses 10 and made temples for the gods, and divided the ploughlands; but he, ere now, had been stricken by fate and had gone to the house of Hades, and Alcinous was now king, made wise in counsel by the gods. To his house went the goddess, flashing-eyed Athena, to contrive the return of great-hearted Odysseus. 15 She went to a chamber, richly wrought, wherein slept a maiden like the immortal goddesses in form and comeliness, Nausicaa, the daughter of great-hearted Alcinous; hard by slept two hand-maidens, gifted with beauty by the Graces, one on either side of the door-posts, and the bright doors were shut. 20 But like a breath of air the goddess sped to the couch of the maiden, and stood above her head, and spoke to her, taking the form of the daughter of Dymas, famed for his ships, a girl who was of like age with Nausicaa, and was dear to her heart. Likening herself to her, the flashing-eyed Athena spoke and said: 25 “Nausicaa, how comes it that thy mother bore thee so heedless? Thy bright raiment is lying uncared for; yet thy marriage is near at hand, when thou must needs thyself be clad in fair garments, and give other such to those who escort thee. It is from things like these, thou knowest, that good report goeth up among men, 30 and the father and honored mother rejoice. Nay, come, let us go to wash them at break of day, for I will follow with thee to aid thee, that thou mayest with speed make thee ready; for thou shalt not long remain a maiden. Even now thou hast suitors in the land, the noblest 35 of all the Phaeacians, from whom is thine own lineage. Nay, come, bestir thy noble father early this morning that he make ready mules and a wagon for thee, to bear the girdles and robes and bright coverlets. And for thyself, too, it is far more seemly 40 to go thus than on foot, for the washing tanks are far from the city.” So saying, the goddess, flashing-eyed Athena, departed to Olympus , where, they say, is the abode of the gods that stands fast forever. Neither is it shaken by winds nor ever wet with rain, nor does snow fall upon it, but the air 45 is outspread clear and cloudless, and over it hovers a radiant whiteness. Therein the blessed gods are glad all their days, and thither went the flashing-eyed one, when she had spoken all her word to the maiden.

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 6.1 focus

So here long-suffering great Odysseus slept, overcome by sleep and toil; but Athena went off to the dēmos and city of the Phaeacians—a people who used to live in the fair town of Hypereia, [5] near the lawless Cyclopes. Now the Cyclopes were stronger in force [ biē] than they and plundered them, so their king, godlike Nausithoös, moved them thence and settled them in Skheria, far from all other people. He surrounded the city with a wall, built houses [10] and temples, and divided the lands among his people; but he was dead and gone to the house of Hādēs, and King Alkinoos, whose counsels were inspired by the gods, was now reigning. To his house, then, did owl-vision goddess Athena go in furtherance of the return [ nostos] of great-hearted Odysseus. [15] She came into the private chamber, with its many adornments, where the girl [= Nausicaa] 16 was sleeping. Like the immortal goddesses, in shape and in looks [ eidos], she [= Nausicaa] was looking like [ homoiē] them. Nausicaa, daughter to great-hearted King Alkinoos. Two maid servants were sleeping near her, both very pretty, one on either side of the doorway, which was closed with well-made folding doors. [20] Athena took the form of the famous sea captain Dymas’ daughter, who was a bosom friend of Nausicaa and just her own age; then, coming up to the girl’s bedside like a breath of wind, she hovered over her head and said: [25] “Nausicaa, what can your mother have been about, to have such a lazy daughter? Here are your clothes all lying in disorder, yet you are going to be married almost immediately, and should not only be well dressed yourself, but should find good clothes for those who attend you. This is the way to get yourself a good name, [30] and to make your father and mother proud of you. Suppose, then, that we make tomorrow a washing day, and start at daybreak. I will come and help you so that you may have everything ready as soon as possible, for all the best young men [35] throughout your own dēmos are courting you, and you are not going to remain a young girl much longer. Ask your father, therefore, to have a wagon and mules ready for us at daybreak, to take the rugs, robes, and belts; and you can ride, too, which will be much pleasanter for you [40] than walking, for the washing-cisterns are some way from the town.”

When she had said this owl-vision Athena went away to Olympus, which they say is the everlasting home of the gods. Here no wind beats roughly, and neither rain nor snow can fall; but it abides [45] in everlasting sunshine and in a great peacefulness of light, wherein the blessed gods are illumined for ever and ever. This was the place to which the owl-vision goddess went when she had given instructions to the girl.

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873)) — 6.1 focus

THUS overcome with toil and weariness,

The noble sufferer Ulysses slept,

While Pallas hastened to the realm and town

Peopled by the Phæacians, who of yore

Abode in spacious Hypereia, near

The insolent race of Cyclops, and endured

Wrong from their mightier hands. A godlike chief,

Nausithoüs, led them to a new abode,

And planted them in Scheria, far away

From plotting neighbors. With a wall he fenced

Their city, built them dwellings there, and reared

Fanes to the gods, and changed the plain to fields.

But he had bowed to death, and had gone down

To Hades, and Alcinoüs, whom the gods

Endowed with wisdom, governed in his stead.

Now to his palace, planning the return

Of the magnanimous Ulysses, came

The blue-eyed goddess Pallas, entering

The gorgeous chamber where a damsel slept,

Nausicaä, daughter of the large-souled king

Alcinoüs, beautiful in form and face

As one of the immortals. Near her lay,

And by the portal, one on either side,

Fair as the Graces, two attendant maids.

The shining doors were shut. But Pallas came

As comes a breath of air, and stood beside

The damsel's head and spake. In look she seemed

The daughter of the famous mariner

Dymas, a maiden whom Nausicaä loved,

The playmate of her girlhood. In her shape

The blue-eyed goddess stood, and thus she said :-

"Nausicaä, has thy mother then brought forth

A careless housewife? Thy magnificent robes

Lie still neglected, though thy marriage day

Is near, when thou art to array thyself

In seemly garments, and bestow the like

On those who lead thee to the bridal rite;

For thus the praise of men is won, and thus

Thy father and thy gracious mother both

Will be rejoiced. Now with the early dawn

Let us all hasten to the washing-place.

I too would go with thee, and help thee there,

That thou mayst sooner end the task, for thou

Not long wilt be unwedded. Thou art wooed

Already by the noblest of the race

Of the Phæacians, for thy birth, like theirs,

Is of the noblest. Make thy suit at morn

To thy illustrious father, that he bid

His mules and car be harnessed to convey

Thy girdles, robes, and mantles marvellous

In beauty. That were seemlier than to walk,

Since distant from the town the lavers lie."

Thus having said, the blue-eyed Pallas went

Back to Olympus, where the gods have made,

So saith tradition, their eternal seat.

The tempest shakes it not, nor is it drenched

By showers, and there the snow doth never fall.

The calm clear ether is without a cloud;

And in the golden light, that lies on all,

Days after day the blessed gods rejoice.

Thither the blue-eyed goddess, having given

Her message to the sleeping maid, withdrew.

English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858)) — 6.1 focus

WHILE thus the weary wanderer sunk to rest,

And peaceful slumbers calm'd his anxious breast,

The martial maid from heaven's aërial height

Swift to Phaeacia wing'd her rapid flight.

In elder times the soft Phaeacian train

In ease possess'd the wide Hyperian plain;¹

Till the Cyclopean race in arms arose,

A lawless nation of gigantic foes;

Then great Nausithous from Hyperia far,

Through seas retreating from the sound of war,

The recreant nation to fair Scheria led,²

Where never science rear'd her laurell'd head:

There round his tribes a strength of wall he rais'd;

To heav'n the glittering domes and temples blaz'd:

Just to his realms, he parted grounds from grounds,

And shar'd the lands, and gave the lands their bounds.

Now in the silent grave the monarch lay,

And wise Alcinoüs held the regal sway.

To his high palace through the fields of air

The goddess shot; Ulysses was her care.

There as the night in silence roll'd away,

A heaven of charms divine Nausicaa lay:

Through the thick gloom the shining portals blaze;

Two nymphs the portals guard, each nymph a Grace.

Light as the viewless air, the warrior-maid

Glides through the valves, and hovers round her head!

A favourite virgin's blooming form she took,

From Dymas sprung, and thus the vision spoke:

Vision

"Oh indolent! to waste thy hours away!

And sleep'st thou careless of the bridal day?
30

Thy spousal ornament neglected lies;

Arise, prepare the bridal train, arise!

A just applause the cares of dress impart,

And give soft transport to a parent's heart.

Haste, to the limpid stream direct thy way,
35

When the gay morn unveils her smiling ray:

Haste to the stream! companion of thy care,

Lo, I thy steps attend, thy labours share.

Virgin, awake! the marriage-hour is nigh,

See! from their thrones thy kindred monarchs³ sigh!
40

The royal car at early dawn obtain,

And order mules obedient to the rein;

For rough the way, and distant rolls the wave,

Where their fair vests Phaeacian virgins lave.

In pomp ride forth; for pomp becomes the great,
45

And majesty derives a grace from state."

Then to the palaces of heaven she sails,

Incumbent on the wings of wafting gales;

The seat of gods; the regions mild of peace,

Full joy, and calm eternity of ease.

There no rude winds presume to shake the skies,

No rains descend, no snowy vapours rise;

But on immortal thrones the blest repose;

The firmament with living splendours glows.

Hither the goddess wing'd th' aërial way,

Through heaven's eternal gates that blaz'd with day.

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 6.1 focus

THERE slept Ulysses. But Athena went

Unto the people of Phceacia,

Who once dwelt near a nation insolent,

The great Cyclopses in Hyperia,

And by the odds of strength were there oppress'd;

But by Nausithous transplanted were

To Scheria, that they might live at rest;

Who built them houses, and a city there,

And fortified the same with strong walls round,

And temples built, and gave them shares of land.

But he departed was, and under ground,

And now Alcinous had the command.

His house it was the Goddess went unto,

And int' a chamber gay, where lay a-bed

A godlike maid asleep, with less ado

Than could a gentle wind have entered.

This the king's daughter was, Nausicaa.

Within the door shut close, on each side one,

Two of her waiting-maids asleep she saw,

And as the Graces fair to look upon.

Then standing at Nausicaa's bed'a-head,

In form of Dymas' daughter, there she stay'd,

Who of her age was, and most favoured,

And to Nausicaa she spake, and said:

Careless Nausicaa, what do you mean,

When to your wedding-day you are so near,

To let so many garments lie unclean ?

You would be glad yourself fair clothes to wear,

And give to them that are to lead you out.

For e'en such things as these procure good fame

Amongst the people that dwell round about;

Your parents also take joy in the same.

Come therefore, to the river let's be gone

By break of day; for I will with you go

And help that you the sooner may have done.

I'm sure your wedding is not far off now,

For sought you are in marriage by the best

Of all the town where you were born and bred.

Go early to your father and request

You may with mules and coach be furnished,

That aprons, gowns, and mantles you may bear

Unto the washing-place, for far 'tis to't,

And for your person so 'tis comelier

Than to be seen to go so far on foot.

This said, the Goddess up to heaven went,

Where is the dwelling of the Gods in bliss;

A pure and undecaying firmament

Which by no wind moved or shaken is,

Nor wet nor slabber'd is with show'r of rain,

Nor clouded, nor approach'd unto by snow;

But bright and shining always doth remain.

Here dwell th' immortals, and no sorrow know.

English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 6.1 focus

THE much-sustaining, patient, heavenly man,

Whom Toil and Sleep had worn so weak and wan,

¹²

Thus won his rest. In mean space Pallas went

To the Phæacian city, and descent

That first did broad Hyperia's lands divide,

Near the vast Cyclops, men of monstrous pride,

That prey'd on those Hyperians, since they were

Of greater power; and therefore longer there

Divine Nausithous dwelt not, but arose,

And did for Scheria all his powers dispose,

Far from ingenious art-inventing men;

But there did he erect a city then,

First drew a wall round, then he houses builds,

And then a temple to the Gods, the fields

Lastly dividing. But he, stoop'd by Fate,

Div'd to th' infernals; and Alcinous sate

In his command, a man the Gods did teach

Commanding counsels. His house held the reach

Of grey Minerva's project, to provide

That great-soul'd Ithacus might be supplied

With all things fitting his return. She went

Up to the chamber, where the fair descent

Of great Alcinous slept; a maid, whose parts

In wit and beauty wore divine deserts.

Well deck'd her chamber was; of which the door

Did seem to lighten, such a gloss it bore

Betwixt the posts, and now flew ope to find

The Goddess entry. Like a puft of wind

She reach'd the virgin bed; near which there lay

Two maids, to whom the Graces did convey

Figure and manners. But above the head

Of bright Nausicaa did Pallas tread

The subtle air, and put the person on

Of Dymas' daughter, from comparison

Exempt in business naval. Like his seed

Minerva look'd now; whom one year did breed

With bright Nausicaa, and who had gain'd

Grace in her love, yet on her thus complain'd:

"Nausicaa! Why bred thy mother one

So negligent in rites so stood upon

By other virgins? Thy fair garments lie

Neglected by thee, yet thy nuptials nigh;

When rich in all attire both thou shouldst be,

And garments give to others honouring thee,

That lead thee to the temple. Thy good name

Grows amongst men for these things; they inflame

Father and reverend mother with delight.

Come, when the Day takes any wink from Night,

Let's to the river, and repurify

Thy wedding garments. My society

Shall freely serve thee for thy speedier aid,

Because thou shalt no more stand on the maid.

The best of all Phæacia woo thy grace,

Where thou wert bred, and owest thyself a race.

Up, and stir up to thee thy honour'd sire,

To give thee mules and coach, thee and thy tire,

Veils, girdles, mantles, early to the flood,

To bear in state. It suits thy high-born blood,

And far more fits thee, than to foot so far,

For far from town thou knowst the bath-founts are."

⁴⁵⁶

This said, away blue-eyed Minerva went

Up to Olympus, the firm continent

That bears in endless being the Deified kind,

That's neither soused with showers, nor shook with wind,

Nor chill'd with snow, but where Serenity flies

Exempt from clouds, and ever-beamy skies

Circle the glittering hill, and all their days

Give the delights of blessed Deity praise.

And hither Pallas flew, and left the maid,

When she had all that might excite her said.

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 6.1 focus

THERE then the noble sufferer lay, by sleep

Oppress'd and labour; meantime, Pallas sought

The populous city of Phæacia's sons.

They, in old time, in Hypereia dwelt

The spacious, neighbours of a giant race

The haughty Cyclops, who, endued with power

Superior, troubled them with frequent wrongs.

Godlike Nausithoüs then arose, who thence

To Scheria led them, from all nations versed

In arts of cultivated life, remote;

With bulwarks strong their city he enclosed,

Built houses for them, temples to the Gods,

And gave to each a portion of the soil.

But he, already by decree of fate

Had journey'd to the shades, and in his stead

Alcinoüs, by the Gods instructed, reign'd.

To his abode Minerva azure-eyed

Repair'd, neglecting nought which might advance

Magnanimous Ulysses' safe return.

She sought the sumptuous chamber where, in form

And feature perfect as the Gods, the young

Nausicaa, daughter of the King, reposed.

Fast by the pillars of the portal lay

Two damsels, one on either side, adorn'd

By all the Graces, and the doors were shut.

Soft as a breathing air, she stole toward

The royal virgin's couch, and at her head

Standing, address'd her. Daughter she appear'd

Of Dymas famed for maritime exploits,

Her friend and her coeval; so disguised

Cerulean-eyed Minerva thus began.

Nausicaa! wherefore hath thy mother borne

A child so negligent? Thy garments share,

Thy most magnificent, no thought of thine.

Yet thou must marry soon, and must provide

Robes for thyself, and for thy nuptial train.

Thy fame, on these concerns, and honour stand;

These managed well, thy parents shall rejoice.

The dawn appearing, let us to the place

Of washing, where thy work-mate I will be

For speedier riddance of thy task, since soon

The days of thy virginity shall end;

For thou art woo'd already by the prime

Of all Phæacia, country of thy birth.

Come then, solicit at the dawn of day

Thy royal father, that he send thee forth

With mules and carriage for conveyance hence

Of thy best robes, thy mantles and thy zones.

Thus, more commodiously thou shalt perform

The journey, for the cisterns lie remote.

So saying, Minerva, Goddess azure-eyed,

Rose to Olympus, the reputed seat

Eternal of the Gods, which never storms

Disturb, rains drench, or snow invades, but calm

The expanse and cloudless shines with purest day.

There the inhabitants divine rejoice

For ever, and (her admonition given)

Cerulean-eyed Minerva thither flew.

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.

New Alexandria Commentaries

Gregory Nagy

The wording that starts Rhapsody 6 here at O.06.001–112 picks up where the wording of Rhapsody 5 left off, at O.05.491–493, where Odysseus had fallen asleep after his ordeals at sea.

source

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

The Cyclopes, when they were neighboring enemies of the Phaeacians, O.06.005, are said to have been superior because of their biē ‘force, violence, strength’, O.06.006.

source

Nausicaa, daughter of Alkinoos (latinized as Alcinous), is named here for the first time, O.06.017. She is a kourē ‘girl’, O.06.015, and she is said to be homoiē ‘similar to’ or ‘same as’ the immortal goddesses. This comparison is a prelude to the wording of the narrative at O.06.102–109, where Nausicaa is compared directly to the goddess Artemis; also to the wording of Odysseus himself at O.06.150–152, where the hero himself compares Nausicaa directly to Artemis.

source

Homer Odyssey 6.1

Samuel Butler (Translator)

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Current edition Perseus

ODYSSEY BOOK VI

PATTEN WILSON.
NAUSICAA AND ODYSSEUS

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

New Alexandria Commentaries

Stable identifiers

PATTEN WILSON.
NAUSICAA AND ODYSSEUS