Well, then--our course is chosen--spread the sail--
Heave oft the lead, and mark the soundings well--
Look read more

Well, then--our course is chosen--spread the sail--
Heave oft the lead, and mark the soundings well--
Look to the helm, good master--many a shoal
Marks this stern coast, and rocks, where sits the Siren
Who, like ambition, lures men to their ruin.

Here's to the pilot that weathered the storm.

Here's to the pilot that weathered the storm.

Thus far we run before the wind.

Thus far we run before the wind.

What though the sea be calm? trust to the shore,
Ships have been drown'd, where late they danc'd before.

What though the sea be calm? trust to the shore,
Ships have been drown'd, where late they danc'd before.

We have ploughed the vast ocean in a fragile bark.
[Lat., Nos fragili vastum ligno sulcavimus aequor.]

We have ploughed the vast ocean in a fragile bark.
[Lat., Nos fragili vastum ligno sulcavimus aequor.]

Skill'd in the globe and sphere, he gravely stands,
And, with his compass, measures seas and lands.

Skill'd in the globe and sphere, he gravely stands,
And, with his compass, measures seas and lands.

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest
navigators.

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest
navigators.

Though pleas'd to see the dolphins play,
I mind my compass and my way.

Though pleas'd to see the dolphins play,
I mind my compass and my way.

Yet the best pilots have need of mariners, besides sails, anchor
and other tackle.

Yet the best pilots have need of mariners, besides sails, anchor
and other tackle.