13. THE ODYSSEY, BOOK 13 (N)

original: "ὑψόσ’ ἀειρόμενοι ῥίμφα πρήσσουσι κέλευθον" – This refers to the rhythmic motion of the oars or the ship itself leaping over the waves. Rising high, the ship quickly covered its path. Just as her stern was lifted, a great purple wave of the loud-roaring sea original: "πολυφλοίσβοιο θαλάσσης," a classic Homeric epithet for the sea seethed behind her.

85 She ran very steadily and surely; not even a hawk, the falcon, which is the swiftest of birds, could have kept pace with her. Thus, running swiftly, she cut through the waves of the sea, carrying a man whose wisdom was like that of the gods.

90 This man, who had previously suffered many pains in his heart through the wars of men and the piercing of painful waves, now slept peacefully, forgetting all he had endured.

When that brightest star arose original: "ἀστὴρ φαάντατος," referring to the Morning Star, or Venus, which especially comes to herald the light of early-born Dawn, then the seafaring ship drew near to the island.

95 There is a certain harbor of Phorcys, the old man of the sea, in the land of Ithaca. Within it are two jutting, rugged headlands that slope down toward the harbor.

100 These cliffs shield the bay from the great waves driven by harsh winds outside; within the harbor, well-benched ships can remain without mooring ropes once they reach their point of anchorage.

At the head of the harbor stands a long-leafed olive tree, and near it is a lovely, shadowy cave, sacred to the nymphs called Naiads original: "νηϊάδες," water nymphs associated with springs and fountains.

105 Inside the cave are stone mixing bowls and two-handled jars, and there the bees store their honey. Inside are also long stone looms, where the nymphs weave fabrics dyed in sea-purple—a wonder to behold.

Ever-flowing waters spring within the cave. It has two entrances:

110 one facing North, through which mortals may descend, and the other facing South, which is more divine. No men enter through the southern gate...