O you, who in some pretty boat, Eager to listen, have been…
“O you, who in some pretty boat, Eager to listen, have been following Behind my ship, that singing sails along Turn back to look again upon your own shores; Tempt not the deep, lest unawares, In losing me, you yourselves might be lost. The sea I sail has never yet been passed; Minerva breathes, and pilots me Apollo, And Muses nine point out to me the Bears. You other few who have neck uplifted Betimes to the bread of angels upon Which one lives and does not grow sated, Well may you launch your vessel Upon the deep sea.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker warns a listener not to tempt the unknown, urging them to stay within familiar bounds lest they lose themselves.
In simple terms: Beware of venturing into unknown dangers that may cause loss.
Key Takeaway
Stay cautious when exploring new depths.
Themes
caution
exploration
self‑knowledge
Mood
thoughtful
adventurous
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- adventure planning
- risk assessment
- personal boundaries
- spiritual seeking
- learning from myth
Key Concepts
mythology
navigation
human limits
Questions to Reflect On
- What unknowns are you avoiding?
- How can curiosity be balanced with safety?
A Different Perspective
Overcaution can stifle growth and discovery.