Ithaca lyrics

Ithaca lyrics

As you set out for Ithaca hope that your journey is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery. Laistrygonians and Cyclops, angry Poseidon - do not be afraid of them: you'll never find things like that on your way as long as you keep your thoughts raised high, as long as a rare sensation touches your spirit and your body. Laistrygonians and Cyclops, wild Poseidon - you won't encounter them unless you bring them along inside your soul, unless your soul sets them up in front of you. Hope that your journey is a long one. May there be many summer mornings when, with what pleasure, what joy, you come into harbors seen for the first time; may you stop at Phoenician trading stations to buy fine things, mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony, sensual perfume of every kind - as many sensual perfumes as you can; and may you visit many Egyptian cities to learn and learn again from those who know.

Keep Ithaca always in your mind. Arriving there is what you're destined for. But do not hurry the journey at all. Better if it lasts for years, so that you're old by the time you reach the island, wealthy with all you have gained on the way, not expecting Ithaca to make you rich. Ithaca gave you the marvelous journey. Without her you would not have set out. She has nothing left to give you now. And if you find her poor, Ithaca won't have fooled you. Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, you will have understood by then what these Ithacas mean.

Pange Lingua

Tell, tongue, the mystery

of the glorious Body

and of the precious Blood,

which, for the price of the world,

the fruit of a noble Womb,

the King of the Nations poured forth.

Given to us, born for us,

from the untouched Virgin,

and dwelt in the world

after the seed of the Word had been scattered.

His inhabiting ended the delays

with wonderful order.

On the night of the Last Supper,

reclining with His brethren,

once the Law had been fully observed

with the prescribed foods,

as food to the crowd of Twelve

He gives Himself with His hands.

The Word as Flesh makes true bread

into flesh by a word

and the wine becomes the Blood of Christ.

And if sense is deficient

to strengthen a sincere heart

Faith alone suffices.

Therefore, the great Sacrament

let us reverence, prostrate:

and let the old Covenant

give way to a new rite.

Let faith stand forth as substitute

for defect of the senses.

To Begetter and Begotten

be praise and jubilation,

health, honour, strength also

and blessing.

To the One who proceeds from Both

be praise as well.

Amen, Alleluia.