When you start on the road to Ithaca,
Then pray that the road is long, full of knowledge, full of adventure.
Do not fear Lestygonians or the Cyclops or the fierce Poseidon.
For you will never meet such as these on your path if your thoughts remain lofty,
if a fine emotion touches your spirit.

No, you need not fear the Lestygonians, the Cyclops, or the angry Poseidon.
You will not meet such as these on your path if you do not carry them
within your soul, if you do not call them up before you.

Then pray that the road is long, and summer mornings many,
that you enter ports seen for the first time, with great pleasure and joy.
Stop at Phoenician markets and purchase exquisite merchandise, mother-of-pearl
and coral, amber and ebony, as much pleasurable perfume as you can.
Visit hosts of Egyptian cities to learn from those who possess knowledge.

Do not hurry the voyage at all,
for it is better that it last long years,
even to anchor at the isle when you are old,
rich with all you have
Gained along the way,
but never expecting Ithaca to offer you riches.

For she has already given you the beautiful voyage,
and without her, you would never have taken the road,
but she has nothing more to give.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not betrayed you.
With all the experiences you have had and all the wisdom you have gained,
You must surely understand by then what Ithaca means.

- Cafe', translated by Jeffrey Collins