So there the much-enduring shining Odysseus slept, worn with sleep and weariness. Athena went to the land and city of the Phaeacian men. They once lived in spacious Hypereia near the Cyclopes, overbearing men who plundered them and were stronger. Godlike Nausithous led them away and settled them in Scheria far from toiling men. He drew a wall around the city, built houses, made temples for the gods, and divided the plowlands. But by now he had gone to Hades. Alcinous ruled, knowing counsel from the gods.
The goddess grey-eyed Athena went to his house to make a return for great-hearted Odysseus. She came to a chamber rich in ornament where a girl slept like the deathless gods in form and face — Nausicaa, daughter of great-hearted Alcinous. Beside her two handmaids with beauty from the Graces slept by the doorposts. The shining doors were shut. Athena went to the girl’s bed like a breath of wind and stood above her head, likening herself to a girl of her own age, daughter of Dymas.
Nausicaa — how has your mother borne such a careless girl? Your shining clothes lie uncared for, and your marriage is near, when you yourself must wear fine clothes and give others to those who take you. From these things a good report goes up among men, and father and mother rejoice. Already the best of all the Phaeacians are courting you. Urge your famous father early to harness mules and a wagon for the sashes and robes and bright coverlets. It is far more fitting to go this way than on foot; the washing places are far from the city.”
So speaking grey-eyed Athena went away to Olympus, where they say the gods’ sure seat stands forever. It is not shaken by winds; never wet with rain; snow never comes near. Clear air is spread cloudless, and a white radiance runs over it. There the blessed gods take their pleasure all their days.