CALM

Here is an instruction on how to react to hungry pythons, as given to Peace Corpsmen serving in Brazil -- "Remember not to run away, the python can run faster. The thing to do is to lie flat on the ground on your back with your feet together, arms at your side, head well down. The python will then try to push its head under you, experimenting at every possible point. Keep calm (that was underscored). "You must let him swallow your foot. It is quite painless and it will take a long time. If you lose your head and struggle, he will quickly whip his coils around you. If you keep calm and still, he will go on swallowing. Wait patiently until he has swallowed up to about your knee. Then carefully take out your knife and insert it into the distended side of his mouth and with a quick rip slit him up." 

Resource, Sept./Oct., 1992, p. 2.

For death and life, in ceaseless strife,

Beat wild on the world's shore,

And all our calm is in that balm -

Not lost but gone before.

Caroline Norton (1808-1877) from Not Lost but Gone Before.

Any one can hold the helm when the sea is calm.

Publius Syrus (42 B.C.)