Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/120

84 dess, or a mortal; if indeed thou art some goddess of those who possess the wide heaven, I consider thee most like unto Diana, the daughter of mighty Jove, in form, stature, and nature; but if thou art some one of mortals who dwell on the earth, thrice blessed thy sire and venerable mother, and thrice blessed thy brothers; much I ween their mind is ever delighted with joy on account of thee, when they behold such a branch entering the dance. He moreover is above others most blessed in his heart, who shall lead thee home, having loaded himself with bridal gifts. For never have I seen such a mortal with my eyes, either man or woman; a reverential feeling possesses me as I look upon thee. Lately I saw such a young shoot of a palm growing up in Delos, near the altar of Apollo: for I came thither, and much people followed me on that journey, which was about to produce evil cares for me: in the same manner also when I beheld that, I was a long time astonished in my mind; for never had such a tree sprung up from the earth. So I admire and am astonished at thee, O lady, and I fear very much to touch thy knees. But hard grief comes upon me. Yesterday in the twentieth day I escaped from the black sea; for a long time the wave and the swift storms continually carried me from the island Ogygia; but now the deity has cast me here, that I may still perhaps suffer evil even here; for I do not think that it will cease; but even before this the gods accomplish many things. But do thou, O queen, pity me, for having suffered many miseries, I come to thee first; but I know no one of the other human beings who possess this city and land. Show me the city, and give me an old garment to put on, if by chance coming here thou hast the wrapping of old garments. But may the gods grant thee as many things as thou desirest in thy mind, a husband, and house, and excellent concord may they grant; for there is not any thing more excellent and better than this, than when a husband and wife, agreeing in their counsels, manage a house; [causing] many griefs to their enemies, and joys to their well-wishers; and they themselves particularly are sensible of it."

But him white-armed Nausicaa answered in turn: "O stranger, since thou art not like unto a worthless or foolish man, and Olympian Jove himself distributes happiness to men, good or bad, to each as he chooses; and perhaps he has given