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Translated by J. G. Lockhart
WHO had ever such adventure, | |
| Holy priest, or virgin nun, | |
| As befell the Count Arnaldos | |
| At the rising of the sun? | |
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| On his wrist the hawk was hooded, | 5 |
| Forth with horn and hound went he, | |
| When he saw a stately galley | |
| Sailing on the silent sea. | |
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| Sail of satin, mast of cedar, | |
| Burnished poop of beaten gold,— | 10 |
| Many a morn you ’ll hood your falcon | |
| Ere you such a bark behold. | |
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| Sails of satin, masts of cedar, | |
| Golden poops may come again, | |
| But mortal ear no more shall listen | 15 |
| To yon gray-haired sailor’s strain. | |
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| Heart may beat, and eye may glisten, | |
| Faith is strong, and Hope is free, | |
| But mortal ear no more shall listen | |
| To the song that rules the sea. | 20 |
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| When the gray-haired sailor chanted, | |
| Every wind was hushed to sleep,— | |
| Like a virgin’s bosom panted | |
| All the wide reposing deep. | |
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| Bright in beauty rose the starfish | 25 |
| From her green cave down below, | |
| Right above the eagle poised him,— | |
| Holy music charmed them so. | |
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| “Stately galley! glorious galley! | |
| God hath poured his grace on thee! | 30 |
| Thou alone mayst scorn the perils | |
| Of the dread devouring sea! | |
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| “False Almeria’s reefs and shallows, | |
| Black Gibraltar’s giant rocks, | |
| Sound and sand-bank, gulf and whirlpool, | 35 |
| All, my glorious galley mocks!” | |
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| “For the sake of God, our Maker!” | |
| (Count Arnaldos’ cry was strong,) | |
| “Old man, let me be partaker | |
| In the secret of thy song!” | 40 |
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| “Count Arnaldos! Count Arnaldos! | |
| Hearts I read, and thoughts I know,— | |
| Wouldst thou learn the ocean secret, | |
| In our galley thou must go.” | |
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