Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/116

80 city of the Phæacians; who formerly indeed dwelt in wide Hypereia, near the Cyclops, overbearing men, who injured them, and were superior in strength. Godlike Nausithous removing them led them from thence, and settled them in Scheria far away from enterprising men; and he drew a wall around the city, and built houses, and made temples for the gods, and divided the plains. But he already subdued by Fate had gone to Orcus; but Alcinous then ruled, experienced in counsels from the gods. The blue-eyed goddess Minerva went to his house, to plan the return of strong-hearted Ulysses. And she hastened to a much-variegated chamber, in which lay a damsel, like unto the immortals in nature and form, Nausicaa, daughter of strong-hearted Alcinous; and near her two handmaids, possessing beauty from the graces, on each side of the portals; and there were shining doors upon them. But she, like as a breath of wind, rushed into the chamber of the damsel, and stood above her head, and addressed her, likened unto the daughter of Dymas, a famous sailor, who was her equal in age, and was pleasing to her mind; likened unto her, blue-eyed Minerva addressed her:

"Nausicaa, why has thy mother brought thee forth thus careless? For thy splendid garments lie neglected, but thy marriage is near, when it is fit that thou shouldst put on beautiful garments thyself, and shouldst give some to others, who will conduct thee. For from these things a good report goes up amongst men; and a father and venerable mother rejoice. But let us go to wash them together with the dawn of morning, and I will follow as thine assistant, that thou mayest prepare them as quick as possible; since thou wilt not be yet a long time a virgin. For now the chiefs amongst the people of all the Phæacians woo thee, where also is thine own race. But come, incite thy illustrious sire early in the morning to prepare mules and a chariot, which may carry thy girdles, and garments, and splendid cloaks: for thus it will be much more honourable for thee than to go on foot; for the places for washing are far distant from the city."

Thus having spoken, blue-eyed Minerva departed to Olympus, where they say is for ever the firm seat of the gods, it is