Classic Poem

La commencement du voyage.

Friends, look ye here! this light and tiny bark,
Launched on life's waves, is setting forth anew:
The pretty passenger on board remark;
Ah! be we first to serve her as a crew
Even now the billows waft her from the shore;
On may she float all gently evermore!
We, who are witnessing her outset here,
Must gaily chant, her onward course to cheer

Fate with her breath already fills the sail;
Whilst Hope, who deigned the tackles to prepare,
Foretells — if aught may brightest stars avail —
A tranquil sea, with breezes fresh and fair
Fly hence, far hence, birds of ill-omened note!
The Loves are owners of this tiny boat
We, who are witnessing her outset here,
Must gaily chant, her onward course to cheer

Yes, ready Cupids ply the sailors' trade;
The mast propitious, lo! their garlands grace;
To the chaste Sisters offerings have been made,
And Friendship at the helm assumes her place
Bacchus himself with glee inspires the crew;
They for assistance from the Pleasures sue:
We, who are witnessing her outset here,
Must gaily chant, her onward course to cheer

But who comes here, and would the bark salute?
'Tis Misery's voice; she prays with grateful heart,
That if good deeds by Virtue done bear fruit,
She to this infant would that fruit impart
To vows, that thus along the strand resound,
Sure that the gods can never deaf be found,
We, who are witnessing the outset here,
Must gaily chant, her onward course to cheer