I ask myself, What can we do here? we poor few? among so many? *against* so many?

First we must prepare this place for as many as can be taken in.

Then we must prepare ourselves, day after day — for the task is immense, danger is near, and time is very short.

All the rooms must be put in order; all the passageways cleared; all the gear cleaned and kept in good repair; the windows washed, the floors swept, the beds made, the shelves put straight.

We must sleep well, take exercise, breathe. We must make time each day to be still.

Above all, we must treat each other not just with respect and forbearance: we must be kind. None of us can do what must be done without the help of all others.

Let us begin with these things.