Nausicaa


 * The Mysterious Stranger**

media type="file" key="nausicca.mp3"

1. NAUSICAA:	Hello, everyone, my name is Nausicaa. I am the daughter of King Alcinous and Queen Arete of Phaeacia. I was lucky enough to meet the great and clever Odysseus of Ithaca, and I will gladly recount the tale. It happened long ago, when I was still quite young…



__2. SOUND:	HARP GLISS__

3. NAUSICAA: 	Last night a goddess visited me in my dream. As I stand here by the river’s edge, a pile of soiled clothes bundled in my arms, I recall her persuasive voice urging me to find a husband, as is my duty as a princess and as a daughter. Nearby, my attendants have struck up a game of ball, tossing the round object this way and that. The ball rolls to my feet, and, without thinking, I toss it back to a maid standing precariously close to the water’s edge. She falters, missing it, and it drops into the water.

__5. SOUND:	PLUNK__

6. NAUSICAA:	Suddenly, a loud groan echoes from the bushes around us.

__7. SOUND:	MAN GROANING__

8. NAUSICAA:	Leaves rustle, branches crack, and my maids scatter, screaming and frantic. I tense up. What if I have angered some river god? I have always been a pious girl, but the gods are not known for their forgiveness. We hear a final grunt, and a scantily clothed man pushes his way out into the clearing. I am unable to move, my heart beating erratically in my chest. I should respect the rules of hospitality, but I cannot quell the fear gripping me. The man—or god—speaks now, flowing, flattering words of praise and relief. I begin to feel pity for him—this poor, weary man who seems so happy to see another human soul. But even as my heart softens, one of my maids leans close and whispers hissing words of caution, warning me against this stranger. As I listen further to his tale, I find his words too coy, too smooth, and altogether too plausible. I have heard of gods who appear in disguise, winning mortal women with winsome flattery and sweet seduction, then tossing them away like worn rags. But my father has taught me well, and what right have I to question this man? He could be some wealthy king or powerful god. My mind is in turmoil, indecisive and unsure, but his heart-wrenching tale of love and loss eventually convinces me. Firmly, I tell him to follow me, for I will take him to my mother and father. A genuine smile blossoms on his weathered face as we set out for home.

__9. MUSIC:	EYEWITNESS BROADCAST NEWS JINGLE__

10. ANNOUNCER:	This has been a production of Eyewitness News. Thanks for tuning in.