maidens behind the chariot. But when we shall come to the city,
--thou wilt see a high wall and a harbour on either side of the
narrow way that leadeth to the gate,--then follow the chariot no
more. Hard by the wall is a grove of Athene, a grove of poplars,
with a spring in the midst, and a meadow round about; there abide
till I have reached the house of my father. For I would not that
the people should speak lightly of me. And I doubt not that were
thou with me some one would say: `Who is this stranger, tall and
fair, that cometh with Nausicaa? Will he be her husband? Perchance
it is some god who has come down at her prayer, or a man from far
away; for she scorns us men of Phaeacia.' It would be a shame that
such words should be spoken. But when thou shalt judge that I have
come to the palace, then go up thyself and ask for my father's
house. Any one, even a child, can show it thee, for the other
Phaeacians dwell not in such. And when thou art come within the
doors, pass quickly through the hall to where my mother sits.
Close to the hearth is her seat, and my father's hard by, where he
sits with the wine-cup in his hand as a god. Pass him by, and
kneel to my mother, and pray her that she give thee safe return to
thy country."

Then she smote the mules with the whip. Quickly did they leave the
river behind them; but the maiden was heedful to drive them so
that Ulysses and the maidens might be able to follow on foot. At
sunset they came to the sacred grove of Athene, and there Ulysses
sat him down, and prayed to Athene, saying, "Hear me, now, O
daughter of Zeus, and grant that this people may look upon me with
pity."

So he spake, and Athene heard him, but showed not herself to him,