"The Lesson of Columbus: Sail On!"

In the poem, the “good mate” expresses his concern and fear about the situation they are facing during their voyage with Columbus. The line "For lo! the very stars are gone" (line 6) illustrates the central concern of the “good mate” as he realizes that they have lost sight of the stars, which were essential for navigation at sea.

This moment captures the uncertainty and danger of their journey, as losing sight of the stars meant losing their way and potentially facing great risks. The “good mate” is worried about the lack of guidance and the possibility of not finding land or encountering obstacles in the vast and unknown sea.

His concern reflects the challenges and fears that early explorers like Columbus and his crew faced during their historic voyages. Despite the adversity and uncertainty, they had to find the courage to continue sailing onward, facing the unknown with determination and perseverance.