Dawn of the fair throne woke fair-robed Nausicaa. She wondered at the dream and went through the house to tell her parents. Her mother sat at the hearth with her women spinning sea-purple yarn. She met her father going out to join the famous kings at council. She stood close and said:
“Papa dear — could you have a high wagon harnessed for me, strong, with good wheels, so I may take the beautiful clothes to the river to wash? They are lying dirty. It is right for you yourself, when you sit with the first men in counsel, to have clean clothes on your body. Five dear sons have been born to you — two married, three sturdy bachelors. They always want newly washed clothes when they go to the dance. All these things are a care on my mind.”
She was ashamed to name the marriage that brings joy to young people. But he understood it all: “I do not begrudge you the mules, child, or anything else. Go. The servants will harness a high wagon for you — strong, with good wheels fitted with a wagon-box.”
He called the servants; they brought the easy-running mule wagon outside, harnessed the mules, and yoked them. The girl brought the bright clothes from her chamber and put them in the well-polished wagon. Her mother put in a box all kinds of food that satisfies the heart, cooked meats, and wine in a goatskin. Nausicaa took the whip and shining reins and touched the mules. There was a loud clatter of hooves. They pulled hard, carrying the clothes and the girl — not alone; the other handmaids went with her.