the hero’s brow And shoulders, as he passed along the beach, And, glorious in his beauty and the pride Of noble bearing, sat aloof. The maid Admired, and to her bright-haired women spake:—
“Listen to me, my maidens, while I speak. This man comes not among the godlike sons Of the Phaeacian stock against the will Of all the gods of heaven. I thought him late Of an unseemly aspect; now he bears A likeness to the immortal ones whose home Is the broad heaven. I would that I might call A man like him my husband, dwelling here, And here content to dwell. Now hasten, maids, And set before the stranger food and wine.”
She spake; they heard and cheerfully obeyed, And set before Ulysses food and wine. The patient chief Ulysses ate and drank Full eagerly, for he had fasted long.
White-armed Nausicaä then had other cares. She placed the smoothly folded robes within The sumptuous chariot, yoked the firm-hoofed mules, And mounted to her place, and from the seat Spake kindly, counselling Ulysses thus:—