Classic Poem

SONG SUNG TO MY FRIENDS ASSEMBLED FOR MY FETE

Ma nacelle.

Over the tranquil seas
Floating at eve and morn,
Wherever Fate inclines the breeze,
My bark is borne
Doth the sail to it expand?
Off, away, I quit the strand.
Then onward float, my little boat;
Soft Zephyr, still be kind!
Ay, little boat, still onward float;
A port we'll find.

As passenger I've taken
The lively Muse of Song;
And joyous strains 'tis hers to waken,
Gliding along;
For the wanton maid at hand
Hath a lay for every strand
Then onward float, my little boat;
Soft Zephyr, still be kind!
Ay, little boat, still onward float;
A port we'll find.

When storms the fiercest play,
When hundred bolts are falling,
Rocking this shore, and with dismay
Monarchs appalling;
Pleasure yonder takes her stand,
Beckoning on the other strand
Then onward float, my little boat;
Soft Zephyr, still be kind!
Ay, little boat, still onward float;
A port we'll find.

The sky is changed, and lo!
A far-off sun's bright beam
Ripens the vintages that glow
In toper's dream:
Let the new wine of that land
Be our ballast from its strand.
Then onward float, my little boat;
Soft Zephyr, still be kind!
Ay, little boat, still onward float;
A port we'll find.

A coast — wide spread its fame —
Now in its turn invites;
The half-draped Graces there proclaim
Love's sacred rites.
Heavens! the fairest of the band
Sighs — I hear her — on that strand
Then onward float, my little boat;
Soft Zephyr, still be kind!
Ay, little boat, still onward float;
A port we'll find

But now — from rocks afar
Whereon the laurel grows —
Perfidious rocks — what happy star
A refuge shows?
Friendship is it; she hath planned
Welcomes for me on this strand
Then onward float, my little boat;
Soft Zephyr, still be kind!
Ay, little boat, still onward float;
A port we'll find.