I would have men of such constancy put to sea that their business might be everything, and their intent every where; for thats it that always makes a good voyage of nothing. Shakespeare.Twelfth Night, Act II. Scene 4. (Clown to the Duke.)
Now, hoist the anchor, matesand let the sails Give their broad bosom to the buxom wind, Like lass that woos a lover. Scott.Peveril of the Peak, Chap. XIX.
Well, then, our course is chosenspread the sail Heave oft the lead, and mark the soundings well; Look to the helm, good mastermany a shoal Marks this stern coast, and rocks where sits the siren, Who, like ambition, lures men to their ruin. Scott.Kenilworth, Chap. XVII.
Chance will not do the workchance sends the breeze, But if the pilot slumber at the helm, The very wind that wafts us towards the port May dash us on the shelvesthe steersmans part Is vigilance, blow it rough or smooth. Scott.Fortunes of Nigel, Chap. XXII.
On the lee-beam lies the land, boys, See all clear to reef each course; Let the foresheet go, dont mind, boys, Though the weather should be worse. Scott.St. Ronans Well, Chap. XXXIII.
So puts himself into the shipmates toil, With whom each minute threatens life or death. Shakespeare.Pericles, Act I. Scene 3. (Helicanus to Thaliard.)
A man whom both the waters and the wind, In that vast tennis-court, hath made the ball For them to play upon. Shakespeare.Pericles, Act II. Scene 1. (Pericles to the Fisherman.)