Without an helm or pilot her to sway; full sad and dreadful is that ship's event, so is the man that wants intendiment

Without an helm or pilot her to sway; full sad and dreadful is that ship's event, so is the man that wants intendiment

The lines "Without an helm or pilot her to sway; full sad and dreadful is that ship's event, so is the man that wants intendiment" from Edmund Spenser's epic poem "The Faerie Queene" speak to the importance of having direction and purpose in life. In this allegorical work, Spenser uses the character of the ship to represent the individual's journey through life, and the helm or pilot as the guiding force that provides direction and purpose.

The ship in the poem is adrift without a helm or pilot to steer it, making its fate uncertain and potentially disastrous. Similarly, a person who lacks intention or purpose in life is like a ship without a captain, drifting aimlessly and vulnerable to the dangers and challenges that come their way. Just as a ship without a helm is at the mercy of the elements, a person without intention is at the mercy of their own impulses and external influences, unable to navigate the complexities of life with purpose and clarity.

Spenser's use of the ship as a metaphor for the individual's journey underscores the importance of having a clear sense of direction and purpose in life. Without intention, a person is adrift in a sea of uncertainty, unable to make meaningful choices or take decisive action. They are at risk of being swept away by the currents of fate, unable to steer their own course or chart their own destiny.

The image of the ship without a helm or pilot is a powerful reminder of the consequences of living without intention. Just as a ship without guidance is vulnerable to disaster, so too is a person who lacks a sense of purpose in life. Spenser's words serve as a cautionary tale, urging us to take control of our own destinies and steer our lives with intention and purpose.