When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road Is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon – do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path
If your thoughts remain lofty, If a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter
If you do not carry them within your soul,
If your heart does not set them up before you.
Pray that the road Is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time
stop at Phoenican markets
and purchase fine merchandise
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds
as many sensual perfumes as you can
visit many Egyptian cities to learn and learn from scholars
Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.
Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would never have set out on the road.
she has nothing more to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already understood what Ithacas mean.
CONSTANTINE CAVAFY (1863-1933)
