Beowulf

From a time in the English language when the "k" in "knife" was actually pronounced, is an epic Old English poem whose oldest known manuscript is dated to about 1000 A.D. but the story itself may have been written even earlier than that!

It depicts the exploits of the Scandinavian hero Beowulf and although at times dark, it is ultimately about the values of loyalty and duty. From a translation into modern English by Seamus Heaney an ancient but stealthy ship is described as travelling:

 "Over the waves, with the wind behind her and foam at her neck, she flew like a bird until her curved prow had covered the distance..."

Go forth and conquer your day!