The Kertch

A thousand hails to thee beneath thy kertch,
During thy course mayest thou be whole,
Strength and days be thine in peace,
Thy paradise with thy means increase.
In beginning thy dual race, and thou young,
In beginning thy course, seek thou the God of life,
Fear not but He will rightly rule
Thine every secret need and prayer.
This spousal crown thou now hast donned,
Full oft has gotten grace to woman,
Be thou virtuous, but be gracious.
Be thou pure in word and hand.
Be thou hospitable, yet be wise,
Be thou courageous, but be calm.
Be thou frank, but be reserved,
Be thou exact, yet generous.

Be not miserly in giving.
Do not flatter, yet be not cold.
Speak not ill of man, though ill he be.
If spoken of, show not resentment.
Be thou careful of thy name,
Be thou dignified yet kind.
The hand of God be on thine helm.
In inception, in act, and in thought.
Be not querulous beneath thy cross,
Walk thou warily when thy cup is full,
Never to evil give thou countenance,
And with thy kertch, to thee a hundred thousand hails !