Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/121

190—226. these things to thee, but however it is fit that thou shouldst endure them. But now, since thou comest to our city and land, thou shalt neither be in want of clothing, nor any thing else of the things which are fit for a suppliant from afar who meets here. And I will show thee the city, and will tell thee the name of the people. The Phæacians possess this city and land; but I am the daughter of strong-hearted Alcinous, on whom the strength and might of the Phæacians depends."

She spoke, and gave order to her fair-haired handmaidens: "Stop, I pray you, handmaidens; whither are ye flying, when ye behold a man? whether do you think that he is some one of hostile men? There is not that man a living mortal, nor could there be, who would come to the land of the Phæacians, bringing hostility: for we are very dear to the immortals; and we dwell at a distance, the farthest in the sea of many waves, nor does any other of mortals mingle with us. But this one comes here, some wretched wanderer, whom now it is fit to take care of: for all strangers and beggars are from Jove; and even a little gift is grateful. But, O handmaidens, give meat and drink to the stranger: and wash him in the river where there is a shelter from the wind."

Thus she spoke, but they stood and commanded one another: and then they placed Ulysses under shelter, as Nausicaa, the daughter of strong-hearted Alcinous, bade them; and near him they placed a mantle and tunic and garments; and they gave him liquid oil in a golden cruse, and they desired him to wash himself in the streams of the river. Then, indeed, Ulysses addressed the handmaidens: "O handmaidens, stand at a distance thus, until I myself shall wash the brine from my shoulders, and shall anoint them around with oil; for ointment has been a long time away from my body; but I will not wash before you; for I am ashamed to be naked, being come amongst fair-haired damsels."

Thus he spoke, and they went to a distance and told it to the virgin. But divine Ulysses washed away the brine, which surrounded his back and wide shoulders, from his body in the river; and from his head he wiped off the froth of the barren sea.