When you set out for Ithaca
hope your road is long,
full of adventure and discovery.
I Lestrigoni and the Cyclops, the angry Poseidon do not worry,
not be 'this kind of meetings
if your thoughts remain lofty, and a feeling
stirs your spirit and your body.
Cyclops, Lestrigoni, not sure, it 'Neptune incurring the wrath
if you do not carry them within
soul if you do not set them up.
Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when in
ports
- finally and what a joy -
you touch the ground for the first time:
lingers at Phoenician trading stations and buy
pearl and coral, amber and ebony
all fine merchandise, including perfumes
piercing of any kind;
more 'heady fragrance as you can,
goes to many cities' Egyptian
learn a quantity' of the learned things.
But do you think of Ithaca
-Arriving there is the constant thought.
But do not hurry the journey;
Better if it lasts long, for years, and that old
reach the island, you, full of treasures
gained on the way, not expecting Ithaca to riches.
Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage
without her you would never put
the street: what else do you expect?
And if you find her poor, Ithaca you will have 'disappointed.
Done wise now, with so much experience on
already 'you have understood what' Ithaca that mean.
[Constantine Cavafy]
