To Champlain

Champlain,
for a long time I've noticed
you spend your leisure obstinately and without rest
exploring the rivers that
after many falls
from the new land
come down to seize the shores.

And if you succeed in your great undertaking,
who can estimate what glory
will one day attach to your name,
which already everyone praises?

For you seek the origin of an infinite river,
so that someday
you may show us the way
to China.

Freely translated from
Marc Lescarbot
Paris poet, lawyer, adventurer
Founding member in Champlain's Order of Good Cheer