on the shore to dry, and having themselves bathed, they sat down to enjoy their meal; after which they rose and amused themselves with a game of ball, the princess singing to them while they played.  But when they had refolded the apparel and were about to resume their way to the town, Minerva caused the ball thrown by the princess to fall into the water, whereat they all screamed and Ulysses awaked at the sound.

Now we must picture to ourselves Ulysses, a ship-wrecked mariner, but a few hours escaped from the waves, and utterly destitute of clothing, awaking and discovering that only a few bushes were interposed tween him and a group of young maidens whom, by their deportment and attire, he discovered to be not mere peasant girls, but of a higher class.  Sadly needing help, how could he yet venture, naked as he was, to discover himself and make his wants known?  It certainly was a case worthy of the interposition of his patron goddess Minerva, who never failed him at a crisis.  Breaking off a leafy branch from a tree, he held it before him and stepped out from the thicket.  The virgins at sight of him fled in all directions, Nausicaa alone excepted, for her Minerva aided and endowed with courage and discernment.  Ulysses, standing respectfully aloof, told his sad case, and besought the fair object (whether queen or goddess he professed he knew not) for food and clothing.  The princess replied courteously, promising present relief and her father’s hospitality when he should become acquainted with the facts.  She called back her scattered maidens, chiding their alarm, and reminding them that the Phaeacians had no enemies to fear.  This man, she told them, was an unhappy wanderer, whom it was a duty to cherish, for the poor and stranger are from Jove.  She bade them bring food and clothing, for some of her brother’s garments were among the contents of the wagon.  When this was done, and Ulysses, retiring to a sheltered place, had washed his body free from the sea-foam, clothed and refreshed himself with food, Pallas dilated his form and diffused grace over his ample chest and manly brows.

The princess, seeing him, was filled with admiration, and scrupled not to say to her damsels that she wished the gods would send her such a husband.  To Ulysses she recommended that he should repair to the city, following herself and train so far as the way lay through the fields; but when they should approach the city she desired that he would no longer be seen in her company, for she feared the remarks which rude and vulgar people might make on seeing her return accompanied by such a gallant stranger.  To avoid which she directed him to stop at a grove adjoining the city, in which were a farm and garden belonging to the king.  After allowing time for the princess and her companions to reach the city, he was then to pursue his way thither, and would be easily guided by any he might meet to the royal abode.