Maids on the shore, with marble-white feet tread,
So far 'tis safe; but to go farther, dread.
Let others tell how winds fierce battles wage,
How Scylla's and Charybdis' waters rage;
And with what rock the feared Ceraunia threat;
In what gulf either Syrtes have their seat.20
Let others tell this, and what each one speaks
Believe; no tempest the believer wreaks.[298]
Too late you look back, when with anchors weighed,
The crookèd bark hath her swift sails displayed.