Out on the sea, when the tempest is blowing,
Over the waters dark and wild,
Guide I the sailor, his pathway showing
Over the shoals and the currents flowing;
Never through me is the ship beguiled.
Many a wandering step have I guided;
Children at school have I often taught;
Many disputes through me are decided;
Oft has my help, though sometimes derided,
Even the Muse of History sought.
Off with my head! I'm a living creature;
Trembling I follow, I guide no more;
Large-eyed and gentle, of kindly feature,
Hunted by man; in the wilds of nature,
When he is coming, I fly before.
Cut off my head again, and for ages
Long have I kindled the spirit of man.
Worshipped by artists, adored by the sages,
Present and past combine in my pages;
There all the secrets of beauty you scan.