Lxxxii

Alack, our life is lent, From first to last, the whole, for this experiment Of proving what I say--that we ourselves are true! I would there were one voyage, and then no more to do But tread the firm-land, tempt the uncertain sea no more I would we might dispense with change of shore for shore To evidence our skill, demonstrate--in no dream It was, we tided o'er the trouble of the stream. I would the steady voyage, and not the fitful trip,-- Elvire, and not Fifine,--might test our seamanship. But why expend one's breath to tell you, change of boat Means change of tactics too? Come see the same afloat To-morrow, all the change, new stowage fore and aft O' the cargo; then, to cross requires new sailor-craft! To-day, one step from stern to bow keeps boat in trim: To-morrow, some big stone--or woe to boat and him!-- Must ballast both. That man stands for Mind, paramount Throughout the adventure: ay, howe'er you make account, 'T is mind that navigates,--skips over, twists between The bales i' the boat,--now gives importance to the mean, And now abates the pride of life, accepts all fact, Discards all fiction,--steers Fifine, and cries, i' the act, "Thou art so bad, and yet so delicate a brown! Wouldst tell no end of lies: I talk to smile or frown! Wouldst rob me: do men blame a squirrel, lithe and sly, For pilfering the nut she adds to hoard? Nor I." Elvire is true, as truth, honesty's self, alack! The worse! too safe the ship, the transport there and back Too certain! one may loll and lounge and leave the helm, Let wind and tide do work: no fear that waves o'erwhelm The steady-going bark, as sure to feel her way Blindfold across, reach land, next year as yesterday! How can I but suspect, the true feat were to slip Down side, transfer myself to cockle-shell from ship, And try if, trusting to sea-tracklessness, I class With those around whose breast grew oak and triple brass: Who dreaded no degree of death, but, with dry eyes, Surveyed the turgid main and its monstrosities-- And rendered futile so, the prudent Power's decree Of separate earth and disassociating sea; Since, how is it observed, if impious vessels leap Across, and tempt a thing they should not touch--the deep? (See Horace to the boat, wherein, for Athens bound, When Virgil must embark--Jove keep him safe and sound!-- The poet bade his friend start on the watery road, Much reassured by this so comfortable ode.)