Odyssey 6.258 · Book 6, lines 258–261
While we pass the fields, walk close behind
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ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ὧδʼ ἔρδειν, δοκέεις δέ μοι οὐκ ἀπινύσσειν· ὄφρʼ ἂν μέν κʼ ἀγροὺς ἴομεν καὶ ἔργʼ ἀνθρώπων, τόφρα σὺν ἀμφιπόλοισι μεθʼ ἡμιόνους καὶ ἄμαξαν καρπαλίμως ἔρχεσθαι· ἐγὼ δʼ ὁδὸν ἡγεμονεύσω.
But do just this way — you seem to me not to lack sense: while we go through the fields and the works of men, meanwhile, with the maids, walk quickly behind the mules and wagon; and I will lead the way.
Word by word
The setting
Nausicaa lays out the first, easy half of her plan for the approach. Out in the open country there is no need for care; the stranger may keep close to the cart.
A note on this passage
Now the careful part. While they are still out among the fields and farmland, Odysseus may keep close, walking briskly behind the wagon with the maids; she will lead. She adds that he seems to have sense enough to follow instructions.
The little compliment is not idle. She is about to ask something particular of him, and she frames him first as a man who will understand why. Out here, among the country works, walking together is fine. The whole point of the plan is what must change once the town comes into view — and she is readying him to accept it.
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