Even as gold o'er silver is poured by an artist — a craftsman

Taught in his art by the god Hephaestus and Pallas Athene

80



njf-^7s



Manifold skill, and of beauty is every work that he fashions ; Odyssey

Thus did she pour forth grace on the shoulders and head of Odysseus. ^^

Then withdrawing he sat him adown on the shore of the ocean

Gleaming in beauty and grace, and with marvel the maiden beheld him,

Nausicaa ; and she spake to the fair-tressed girls, her attendants :

*' Hearken, my white-armed maidens, attend to the words that I utter !

Verily nought but the will of immortals that dwell in Olympus

Granteth this stranger to reach Phaeacia's glorious nation.
Erstwhile truly methought he was right ill-favoured in person ;

Now he is like to the gods who the infinite heaven inhabit.
Would that a man like this might win him the name of my husband.
Should he be pleased to remain in the land and to settle amongst us !

Therefore give to the stranger to eat and to drink, O maidens ! "

Thus did she speak, and attentive they listened and followed her bidding

Quickly they set both viands and drink by the side of the stranger.
Then did he drink and eat, long-suffering godlike Odysseus,

Eagerly — seeing in truth no food long while he had tasted.
White-armed Nausicaa in the meanwhile plotted it elsewise :
Folding the clothes, in the car of the beautiful wagon she laid them.
Ordered the strong-hoofed mules to be yoked, then, mounting the carriage.
