| Vigor's Denaming
Ceremony |
"In the name of all who have sailed aboard this
ship in the past, and in the name of all who may sail aboard her in
the future, we invoke the ancient gods of the wind and the sea to
favor us with their blessing today.
"Mighty Neptune, king of all
that moves in or on the waves; and mighty Aeolus (pronounced
EE-oh-lus), guardian of the winds and all that blows before
them:
"We offer you our thanks for the protection you have
afforded this vessel in the past. We voice our gratitude that she
has always found shelter from tempest and storm and enjoyed safe
passage to port.
"Now, wherefore, we submit this supplication,
that the name whereby this vessel has hitherto been known (_____),
be struck and removed from your records.
"Further, we ask that
when she is again presented for blessing with another name, she
shall be recognized and shall be accorded once again the selfsame
privileges she previously enjoyed.
"In return for which, we
rededicate this vessel to your domain in full knowledge that she
shall be subject as always to the immutable laws of the gods of the
wind and the sea.
"In consequence whereof, and in good faith, we
seal this pact with a libation offered according to the hallowed
ritual of the sea."
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