So speaking godlike Odysseus came from under the bushes. With his strong hand he broke a leafy branch from the thicket to hide his nakedness about his body. He went like a mountain-nurtured lion who trusts his strength through rain and wind, eyes blazing, belly ordering him to try for sheep even inside a close fold. So Odysseus was about to come among the fair-haired girls, naked though he was, for need drove him. They ran fleeing along the jutting shores. Only Alcinous’s daughter stood firm. Athena put courage in her heart and took the fear from her limbs. She stood facing him.
Odysseus pondered whether to clasp the fair-faced girl’s knees and beg, or stand apart and beg with soft words that she show him the city and give him clothes. As he turned it over it seemed better to stand apart, for fear that if he clasped her knees the girl might grow angry. At once he spoke a soft and cunning word:
I clasp your knees, lady — are you a goddess or a mortal? If you are one of the gods who hold wide heaven, I liken you most nearly to Artemis, daughter of great Zeus, in form and stature and beauty. If you are one of the mortals who live on earth, three times blessed are your father and lady mother, and three times blessed your brothers. I have never yet seen with my eyes such a one among mortals. Amazement holds me as I look.”
In Delos once I saw such a thing — by the altar of Apollo — a young shoot of a date-palm springing up. I had gone there on that road where pain was to be my portion. So when I saw that I was amazed a long time. In the same way, lady, I marvel at you, and I am terribly afraid to touch your knees. Now a divinity has cast me ashore here so that I may still somehow suffer evil. I do not think my troubles will stop. The gods will accomplish many before that.”
But, lady, take pity. After many trials I have come to you first. I do not know any other of the people who hold this city and land. Show me the city; give me a rag to throw about me — some wrapping you had for the clothes when you came here. There is nothing better or more steadfast than this: when a man and woman keep house together uniting in mind. It brings much pain to their enemies, joy to those who wish them well. They themselves know it best.”