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True Knowledge Necessary for the Voyage of Life
Ships on the ocean meet, each other hail,“Where from?” they say? and, “Whither art thou bound?”
Response is given; then on their voyage they sail,
Cheered by the cry, though dangers still surround.
Whither, O man! and whence, o'er life's dark sea,
Dost thou thy frail and tossing vessel steer?
Knowest thou that ocean's depth and mystery?
And canst thou to those questions answer clear,
Then mayst thou cheerful on Life's voyage proceed,
Nor dread its storms, nor fear its currents strong;
The soul, from darkling doubt and error freed,
By favoring gales is swiftly borne along;
While driven by adverse winds, by tempests tost,
The skeptic's bark, on unknown shores, is lost!
Poem No. 420; c. 26 May 1866
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