The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice/The Odyssey/Book 6

by Homer

BOOK VI.

 

ARGUMENT.

Minerva appears to Nausicaa, the daughter of Alcinous, in a dream, and desires her to go to the river to wash her clothes, since she should shortly be married. After she has done washing, her attendants and herself begin to play; Ulysses, sleeping in a wood hard by, is awakened by the noise, and, coming out, begs of Nausicaa to supply him with food and clothing; he then follows her to the city.

Thus the much-enduring divine Ulysses slept here, oppressed^[1] with sleep and with toil; but Minerva went to the people and 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

neither shaken by the winds,^[2] nor is it ever bedewed by the shower, nor does the snow approach it: but a most cloudless serenity is spread out; and white splendour runs over it; in which the blessed gods are delighted all their days. To this place Minerva departed, when she had admonished the damsel.

Immediately the beautiful-throned morning came, which roused well-clad Nausicaa; but she marvelled at her dream. And she hastened through the house, that she might tell it to her parents, her dear father and mother; and she found them within. Her mother was sitting upon the hearth with her female attendants turning her sea-purpled threads [of wool]; but her father she met at the door, going to the illustrious princes, to a council, where the noble Phæacians had invited him. She therefore, standing very near, addressed her dear father:

"My dear father, wouldst thou prepare^[3] a lofty chariot with good wheels for me, that I may take my beautiful garments to the river to wash them, which lie begrimed? And it is fit for thee thyself, when going amongst the chiefs, to consult counsels, having clean garments on thy body; and five dear sons are born to thee in thy palace, of whom two are married, but three unmarried, in the bloom of life: but they always desire to go to the dance having their garments fresh washed; and all these things are a care to my mind."

Thus she spoke; for she was ashamed to mention to her dear father her blooming marriage; but he understood all, and answered her with words: "I grudge thee not the mules, my child, nor any thing else; go, and the servants shall prepare for thee a lofty, well-wheeled chariot, fitted with a covering."

Thus having spoken, he commanded the servants; and they obeyed. They without prepared the swift chariot drawn by mules, and led the mules under, and yoked them under the chariot; and the damsel brought out her beautiful shining vesture from the chamber, and placed it in the well-wrought chariot: and her mother put varied food, grateful to the mind, in a chest, and she put in it dainties, and poured wine into a flagon of goat-skin; and the damsel mounted the chariot; and she^[4] gave to her^[5] moist oil in a golden cruse, that she might anoint herself with her women attendants. And she took the whip, and the beautiful reins, and lashed [the mules] that they might go on; and there was a noise of the mules: for they were on the stretch without ceasing: and they carried the garments and her, not alone; [for] other handmaidens also went with her.

When they had now reached the most beautiful stream of the river, where were continual places for washing, and much beautiful water flowed out, [enough] even to cleanse very filthy things: there they loosed the mules from under the chariot, and drove them close to the eddying river, that they might eat the sweet grass; but they took the garments out of the chariot with their hands, and put them into the black water; and they trod them in the cisterns, quickly showing rivalry. But when they had washed and cleared all the filth, they spread them in order on the shore of the sea, where the wave most washed the stones to the beach. And having washed and anointed themselves with the smooth oil, they then took their meal near the banks of the river: but they waited for their garments to be dried by the beams of the sun. But when her handmaidens and herself were satiated with food, they played at ball, having thrown off their head-dresses; and white-armed Nausicaa began the song for them. Such as Diana^[6] who rejoices in the bow, traverses over the mountain, either lofty Täygetus or Erimanthus, delighting herself with boars and fleet stags, and with her the rural nymphs, daughters of Ægis-bearing Jove, sport; and Latona rejoices in her mind; and she is [eminent] above all by her head and her forehead, for she is easily known, but all of them are fair: so this chaste virgin excelled amongst her handmaidens. But when they were now about to return home again, having yoked the mules, and folded the beautiful garments, then the blue-eyed goddess Minerva meditated other things, that Ulysses should be roused, and behold the beautiful damsel, who might lead him to the city of the Phæacians. Then the queen threw the ball to a handmaiden: it missed the handmaiden, and fell into a deep eddy. But they cried out loudly; and divine Ulysses was aroused; and sitting up, he deliberated in his soul and in his mind.

"Woe is me, into the land of what mortals am I now come? Are they violent and wild, and not just? Or are they hospitable, and have they a holy mind? Since a female voice of damsel nymphs, who possess the lofty summits of the mountains, and the fountains of the rivers, and the grassy marshes, has come around me; or am I by chance near men who possess the power of speech? But come, I myself will try, and see."

Thus having spoken, divine Ulysses went from under the thickets; and with his strong hand he broke a branch of leaves from the thick wood, that he might cover the unseemly parts of a man around his body. And he hastened, like as a lion nourished in the mountains, trusting in his might, that goes rained and blown upon; and his eyes burn; and he comes after oxen, or sheep, or the wild stags; for hunger commands him to enter even a close abode to make an attempt upon the flocks: thus Ulysses, although naked, was about to mingle with the fair-haired damsels; for necessity came upon him. But he appeared dreadful to them, being defiled by the brine; and they fled in terror each in different ways through the projecting shores. But the daughter of Alcinous alone remained; for Minerva put confidence in her mind, and took fear from her limbs; and she stood keeping herself before him. But Ulysses meditated, whether taking hold of her knees he should supplicate the beautiful damsel, or as he was standing at a distance should beseech her with mild words, if she would show him the city, and give him garments. So, indeed, as he considered, it seemed to him to be better, standing at a distance, to beseech her with mild words, lest the damsel should be wrath with him in her mind, taking hold of her knees. Forthwith he spoke a mild and crafty word:

"I supplicate thee, O queen; whether thou art some goddess, 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 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^[7] 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.

But when he had washed himself all over, and anointed himself with oil, and had put on the garments which the chaste virgins gave him; Minerva, born of Jove, made him greater and stouter to behold: and from his head she made his hair curled, like unto a hyacinthine^[8] flower. As when some skilful man, whom Vulcan and Pallas Minerva have instructed in a cunning art, pours gold round silver, and performs beautiful works; so she shed grace on his head and shoulders. Then, going to a distance, he sat down on the shore of the sea, shining with beauty and gracefulness; and the virgin admiring beheld him; then she spoke [thus] to the fair-haired handmaidens:

"Listen to me, ye white-armed handmaidens, whilst I shall say something. This man does not come amongst the godlike Phæacians, against the will of all the gods who possess the wide heaven. For he before appeared to me to be unseemly, but now he is like unto the gods, who possess the wide heaven. I wish such a one might be called my husband, dwelling here, and it might please him to remain here. But, O handmaidens, give to the stranger meat and drink."

Thus she spoke, and they heard her, and immediately obeyed, and near Ulysses they placed meat and drink. Much-enduring divine Ulysses indeed drank and eat greedily; for he had been a long time without tasting food. But white-armed Nausicaa thought upon other things; having folded the garments, she placed them on the beautiful chariot, and yoked the solid-hoofed mules; and she herself mounted it; and she encouraged Ulysses, and spoke and said:

"Rise now, O stranger, to go to the city, that I may conduct thee to the house of my prudent sire, where I think that thou wilt see as many as are the chief of all the Phæacians. But by all means do thus, for thou seemest to me not to be without understanding; whilst we go through the fields and the tillage of men, so long do thou come quickly with the handmaidens, after the mules and chariot: and I will lead the way. But when we shall go up to the city, around which there is a lofty turret, and a fair port on each side of the city, and a narrow entrance; and on the way the ships rowed on both sides are drawn up; for in each there is a station for all; and there is their forum, around the beautiful temple of Neptune, fitted with large^[9] stones dug out of the earth. There they take care of the tackle of the black ships, the ropes, and the cables, and they sharpen the oars. For neither the bow nor the quiver are a care to the Phæacians, but masts and oars of ships, and the equal ships, rejoicing in which, they pass over the hoary sea. Their harsh report I shun, lest some one should blame me behind my back; for they are very overbearing amongst the people. And perchance some worse one meeting us would say, 'Who is this handsome and portly stranger who follows Nausicaa? where did she find him? will he now indeed be her husband? She has either brought from her own ship some one of men from a far country who was wandering; for there are none near. Or some much-prayed-for god, descending from heaven, has come to her at her entreaty; and she will have him all her days. It were better for her, if she herself had, departing, found a husband elsewhere; for she despises these Phæacians amongst the people, who woo her, numerous and excellent.' So they will say, and these things would be reproaches against me: but I should be indignant with another, who should do such things, who should have intercourse with men against the will of her dear father and mother still alive, before her nuptials came openly. Do thou, O stranger, thus attend to my word, that thou mayest as quickly as possible obtain a conduct and return from my father. We shall find a beautiful grove of Minerva, near the way of poplars: and in it a fountain flows, and round it there is a meadow. There is the allotted estate^[10] of my father, and the flourishing orchard, so far from the city as one shouting out makes [others] hear; sit down there and wait for some time, until we come to the city, and reach the house of my father. But when thou thinkest that we have come to the house, then go to the city of the Phæacians, and inquire for the house of my strong-hearted father, Alcinous. But it is easily known, and even a boy would lead thee: for the houses of the Phæacians are not made like it, such is the house of the hero Alcinous. But when the house and the hall conceal thee, go very quickly through the palace, until thou comest to my mother: but she sits on the hearth in the beam of the fire, turning the sea-purple threads of wool, wondrous to behold, reclining against a pillar, and her handmaidens sit behind her. There the throne of my father is reclined near her; in this he sitting, as an immortal, drinks wine; passing by him, place thine hands upon the knees of my mother, that rejoicing thou mayest behold the day of thy return, quickly, although thou art very far off. If indeed she shall be kindly disposed in her mind, then there is a hope that thou wilt see thy friends, and come to thy well-built house, and to thy paternal land."

Thus having spoken, she lashed the mules with the shining scourge, and they quickly left the streams of the river: they ran well, and curvetted briskly with their feet. She also drove well, in order that the handmaidens and Ulysses might follow together on foot; and she threw the lash with skill. And the sun set, and they came to the illustrious grove, sacred to Minerva, where divine Ulysses sat down: then he immediately prayed to the daughter of mighty Jove:

"Hear me, O thou unsubdued daughter of Ægis-bearing Jove, now at length listen to me, since thou hast never before listened to me being shipwrecked, when illustrious Neptune shipwrecked me. Grant that I may come friendly and an object of pity to the Phæacians."

Thus he spoke praying, but Pallas Minerva heard him; but she did not yet appear before him; for she had an awe of her father's brother;^[11] for he was vehemently wrathful with godlike Ulysses, before he arrived at his own land.

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1. Loewe follows Thiersch. Gk. Gr. p. 489, 24, in deriving ἀρημένος from ϝαρε, whence βαρύς, βαρέ-ος, and the Gothic barran, bar, for to bear, bore; and with the strengthening α, (ἀϝαρημένος, ἀαρημένος,) ᾱρημένος, heavily laden. It was hitherto wrongly connected with ᾑρημένος.
2. These verses are splendidly expressed by Lucret. iii. 18.
   "Apparet Divôm numen, sedesque quietæ,
   Quas neque concutiunt venti, neque nubila nimbis
   Aspergunt, neque nix acri concreta pruina
   Cana cadens violat, semperque innubilus æther
   Integit, et large diffuso lumine ridet."
   
   
3. Cf. Thiersch, Gk. Gr. § 352, 6, 6, referred to by Loewe.
4. The mother of Nausicaa.
5. Nausicaa.
6. Cf. Milton, Par. Lost, ix. 386.
   "———like a wood-nymph light,
   Oread or Dryad, or of Delia's train,
   Betook her to the woods, but Delia's self
   In gait surpassed, and goddess-like deport."
   
   
7. Ταλαπείριος, ἀντί τοῦ ξένος, καὶ πόῤῥωθεν πεπερακώς, ἢ μακρόθεν ἀφιγμένος. Schol. This word must not be confounded with ταλαίπωρος. See Loewe.
8. Imitated by Milton, P. L. iv. 300:
   "His fair large front and eye sublime declared
   Absolute rule; and hyacinthine locks
   Round from his parted forelock manly hung
   Clustering."
   
   
9. Literally, "drawn stones," for they were so large that it was necessary to draw them.
10. τέμενος, πᾶς ἀποτετμημένος εἰς τιμὴν τόπος. Apoll. Lex.
11. Neptune.