Emblem I.13: To him a happy Lot befalls

To him a happy Lot befalls
That hath a Ship, and pros'prous Gales.

NO wonder he a prosp'rous Voyage findes
That hath both Sailes and Oares to serve his turne,
And, still, through meanes of some propitious Winds
Is to his wished Harbour, swiftly borne.
Nor is it much admir'd, if they that lacke
Those aydes (on which the Common faith depends)
Are from their hoped aymes repelled backe,
Or made to labour for unfruitfull ends.
Yet neither in the Ship, Wind, Oares, or Sailes,
Nor in the want of Outward meanes, alone,
Consists it, that our Hope succeedes or failes;
But, most in that, which Men least thinke upon.
For, some endeavour, and their Paines are blest
With Gales which are so fortunate, that they
Fly safe, and swiftly on, among the best,
Whil'st others labour, and are cast away.
Some others, on this Worlds wide Ocean floate,
And neither Wind, nor Tide assistant have,
Nor Saile, nor Oare, nor Anchor, nor sound Boate,
Nor take so much as heede themselves to save;
And yet are safe: A third sort, then, there are
Who neither want fit Meanes, nor yet neglect
The painefull-Industrie, or honest Care,
Which Need requires; yet find small good effect.
Therefore, let that which you propose, be Iust;
Then, use the fairest Meanes, to compasse it:
And, though Meanes faile, yet foster no mistrust;
But fearelesly, to God, your Course commit:
For, Hee, to Faithfull Hearts, and Honest-Mindes
Turnes Losse to Gaine; and Stormes to prosp'rous Windes.