Classic Poem

Stanley, by scientific thirst led forth
To visit distant regions of the North!
Who, noble curiosity to please,
Employ your fortune, sacrifice your ease:
Without the means, though some like ardour feel,
How many have the means, but want the zeal:
Ah doubly and deserv'dly happy you,
Who to the pow'r add inclination too!
Possess'd of fortune, thus to be inclin'd
Befits your station, more befits your mind.
What will not they forego, what not endure,
Who seek with ardour knowledge to procure?
Pursuing this, all pleasures mean appear,
All dangers seem unworthy of a fear:
'Tis knowledge sweetens navigation's toil,
And smooths the passage to the frozen soil.
And O, may nature, when explor'd by you,
Disclose its wonders, yet unknown to view!
May science teach you to its heights to soar,
Its depths to fathom, unessay'd before!
To guide your course may winds propitious blow,
Seas swiftly bear you, and yet smoothly flow,
And safe again restore to British ground,
With all your wishes, all your merits crown'd!