[ad_1]
As you set out for Ithaka
hope the voyage is an extended one,
filled with journey, filled with discovery.
Laistrygonians and Cyclops,
offended Poseidon—don’t be afraid of them:
you’ll by no means discover issues like that in your method
so long as you retain your ideas raised excessive,
so long as a uncommon pleasure
stirs your spirit and your physique.
Laistrygonians and Cyclops,
wild Poseidon—you gained’t encounter them
except you convey them alongside inside your soul,
except your soul units them up in entrance of you.
Hope the voyage is an extended one.
Might there be many a summer time morning when,
with what pleasure, what pleasure,
you come into harbors seen for the primary time;
might you cease at Phoenician buying and selling stations
to purchase tremendous issues,
mom of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
sensual fragrance of each variety—
as many sensual perfumes as you possibly can;
and should you go to many Egyptian cities
to assemble shops of information from their students.
Preserve Ithaka at all times in your thoughts.
Arriving there may be what you might be destined for.
However don’t hurry the journey in any respect.
Higher if it lasts for years,
so you might be previous by the point you attain the island,
rich with all you’ve gained on the best way,
not anticipating Ithaka to make you wealthy.
Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey.
With out her you wouldn’t have set out.
She has nothing left to provide you now.
And in case you discover her poor, Ithaka gained’t have fooled you.
Smart as you should have grow to be, so filled with expertise,
you should have understood by then what these Ithakas imply.
C.P. Cavafy, 1911
[ad_2]
Source link