Thus far we run before the wind.

Thus far we run before the wind.

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.

There's a sweet little cherub that sits up aloft,
To keep watch for the life of poor Jack.

There's a sweet little cherub that sits up aloft,
To keep watch for the life of poor Jack.

O'er the glad waters of the dark blue sea,
Our thoughts as boundless, and our souls as free,
read more

O'er the glad waters of the dark blue sea,
Our thoughts as boundless, and our souls as free,
Far as the breeze can bear, the billows foam,
Survey our empire, and behold our home!

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.

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.

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.

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.]

A strong nor'wester's blowing, Bill!
Hark! don't ye hear it roar now?
Lord help 'em, how I read more

A strong nor'wester's blowing, Bill!
Hark! don't ye hear it roar now?
Lord help 'em, how I pities them
Unhappy folks on shore now!