Ithaca

Ithaka by Constantine P. Cavafy 

When you start on your journey to Ithaca,
then pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
Do no fear the Lestrygonians
and the Cyclops and the angry Poesidon.
...

Then pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many,
that you will enter ports seen for the first time
with such pleasure, with such joy!

Stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and corals, amber and ebony,
and pleasurable perfumes of all kind,
buy as many pleasurable perfumes as you can;
visit host of Egyptian cities,
to learn, and learn from those who have knowledge.

Always keep Ithaca fixed in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for long years;
and even to anchor at the isle when you are old,
rich with all that you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage
Without her you would have never taken the road.
But she has nothing more to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not defrauded you.
With the great wisdom you have gained,
with so much experience, you must surely
have understood by then what Ithaca means.

"بسیار سفر باید تا پخته شود خامی"