White-armed Nausicaa had another thought. She folded the clothes and put them in the beautiful wagon and yoked the strong-hoofed mules and herself climbed up. She urged Odysseus on: “Rise now, stranger, to go to the city, so I may bring you to the house of my wise father. There you will come to know all the best of the Phaeacians. But do this — you seem not without understanding. While we go through the fields and men’s farms, go quickly with the handmaids behind the mules and the wagon. I will lead the way.”
“But when we set foot in the city — around it is a high wall; a fair harbor on each side; the entrance narrow; ships drawn up along the road, for every man has a ship-place of his own. There is their place of assembly about the fine temple of Poseidon, . There they see to the tackle of their black ships — cables and sails — and shape their oars. Rejoicing in ships they cross the grey sea.”
“I avoid their bitter talk, or someone may blame me afterward. There are very overbearing men among the people. Some worse man might meet us and say: ‘Who is this fine big stranger following Nausicaa? Where did she find him? He will be her husband. Better if she herself had gone and found a husband from elsewhere. She scorns the Phaeacians here, though many of the best court her.’ So they would say. These things would become reproaches against me. I myself would resent another girl who did such things before open marriage.”
Stranger — understand my words quickly, so you may win escort and a return from my father as soon as possible. You will find a fine grove of Athena near the road — poplars. A spring flows in it. A meadow runs round about. My father’s estate is a shout’s distance from the city. When you think we have reached the house, then go to the city and ask for the house of my father, great-hearted Alcinous. It is easy to know. Even a child could lead you. The houses of the Phaeacians are not built at all like the house of the hero Alcinous.”
But when the house and courtyard cover you, go very quickly through the hall until you come to my mother. She sits at the hearth in the fire’s light spinning sea-purple yarn — a wonder to look at — leaning against a pillar. Her handmaids sit behind her. Pass him by and cast your hands about my mother’s knees, so you may see the day of your return. If she has thoughts of friendship toward you in her heart, then there is hope that you will see your friends and reach your high-roofed house and your own native land.”