Let Ithaka be always in your thoughts.
To get there is your goal and destiny.
But do not hasten to your journey’s end:
it’s better if it lasts for many years
so that you'll reach the island when you’re old,
wealthy with all you’ve gained along the way,
not hoping Ithaka will make you rich.
Your marvellous journey is Ithaka’s gift.
Without her you would not have started out.
But she has nothing more to give you now.
And if you find she's poor, you’ve not been fooled.
So wise have you become, so much you’ve learned,
that you will know what Ithakas must be.
Source: Seen in passing on X-Twitter. Holler if you want the whole thing.
Author/Translator: Armand D'Angour, Professor of Classics, Oxford. Cello lover. Larkin about. Turning life into Latin verse, one hexameter at a time. Podcast “It’s All Greek (& Latin!) to Me”.
Posted: Feb 06
Very nice. They are striking, majestic birds !
Ralph – Yes indeed, although I’d hate to be a fish on the receiving end of the strike of that bill. I’ve often been relieved that I’m too big to qualify as lunch!
I have never seen one so close. Thanks!
Judith – He (?) certainly seemed indifferent to my presence. I guess if you hang out on a public beach in Biloxi, you get accustomed to a certain amount of traffic.