Dedication to the Task Ahead

O Earth: Quail not
At the storm before thee
Nor the task beyond thee
Nor the terror behind thee
Nor the depths beneath thee.

Stand fast, make firm your resolve;
See again the star
By which you steer!

Hope is its name.

For what end dost thou sail?
Sail on, then! Sail on!
Sail calm upon the thrashing water:
Light as breath, fast as sight
Steady as considered truth.

Quail not,
Only go with wisdom,
Love bearing your tread
Upon the broken sea.

The star thou seekest awaits.