uss-edsall:

Once upon a time there was a famous Greek captain.  This captain was very successful at what he did, for years he escorted merchant ships all over the world. Never did stormy seas or enemy vessels get the best of him. He was admired by his crew and fellow captains. 

However, there was one thing different about this captain. Every morning he went through a strange ritual. He would lock himself in his captain’s quarters and open a small safe. In the safe was an envelope with a piece of paper inside. He would stare at the paper for a minute, and then lock it back up. After, he would go about his daily duties. 

For years this went on, and his crew became very curious. 
Was it a treasure map? Was it a letter from a long lost love?  
Everyone speculated about the contents of the strange envelope. 

One day the captain died at sea.  After laying the captain’s body to rest, the first mate led the entire crew into the captains’ quarters. He opened the safe, got the envelope, opened it and turned pale. 

Six words were on the paper, three on three lines. 

“Port is Left. Starboard is Right.“