“Our drifting home had no rudder to guide it, no sail to give it speed.”

“We were dependent upon the caprice of wind and current; we went whither those irresponsible forces listed.”

“The floe has been a good friend to us, & it is reaching the end of its journey.”

“It is liable at any time now to break up and fling us into the unplumbed sea.”

“The longing to feel solid earth under our feet filled our hearts.”

“One strong gale followed by a calm would scatter the pack, I think, and then we could push through.”

— various voices, the crew of the Endurance