On the threshold stood Her father, going forth to meet the chiefs Of the Phaeacians in a council where Their noblest asked his presence. Then the maid, Approaching her beloved father, spake:—
“I pray, dear father, give command to make A chariot ready for me, with high sides And sturdy wheels, to bear to the river-brink, There to be cleansed, the costly robes that now Lie soiled. Thee likewise it doth well beseem At councils to appear in vestments fresh And stainless. Thou hast also in these halls Five sons, two wedded, three in boyhood’s bloom, And ever in the dance they need attire New from the wash. All this must I provide.”
She ended, for she shrank from saying aught Of her own hopeful marriage. He perceived Her thought and said:
“Mules I deny thee not, My daughter, nor aught else. Go then; my grooms Shall make a carriage ready with high sides And sturdy wheels, and a broad rack above.”
He spake, and gave command. The grooms obeyed, And, making ready in the outer court The strong-wheeled chariot, led the harnessed mules Under the yoke and made them fast; and then Appeared the maiden, bringing from her bower The shining garments. In the polished car She piled them, while with many pleasant meats And flavoring morsels for the day’s repast Her mother filled a hamper, and poured wine Into a goatskin. As her daughter climbed The car, she gave into her hands a cruse Of gold with smooth anointing oil for her And her attendant maids. Nausicaä took The scourge and showy reins, and struck the mules To urge them onward. Onward with loud noise They went, and with a speed that slackened not, And bore the robes and her—yet not alone, For with her went the maidens of her train.
Now when they reached the river’s pleasant brink,