To the Sea

Farewell, O Blue Domain of Freedom!
For one last time before my eyes
You roll your pearly waves and lead them
To show how solemn beauty shines.

As if a friend’s death-stricken grumble,
His call the hour he shall depart,
I hear your din, your wistful rumble,
For one last time before we part.

It’s your expanse my soul did covet!
A long time on your shore I spent
And wandered, nebulous and quiet,
And nursed my innermost intent!

Oh how I loved the sounds you fashion,
The noise, the voice of the abyss,
The quiet of the evening bliss,
And waywardness of sudden passion!

Some fishermen’s obedient sails,
Entrusted to your whim’s safekeeping,
Glide valorously on the waves,
But you, undaunted, come by sweeping —
And boats go down to their sea graves.

I’ve not succeeded in evading
This shore, too placid, too sedate,
To offer you my praise unending
And cross your ridges, thereby sending
Away my poetry’s escape!

You called, you waited… I was shackled;
My soul’s deep yearning was in vain:
By an unconquered passion staggered,
On these same shores I did remain…

What’s to regret? I know wherever
I’d wander on my carefree way,
One desert spot of yours forever
Would hold my fancy in its sway.

One single rock, one tomb of glory…
That’s where by death sleep overcome
Lie memories, a noble story —
That’s where Napoleon succumbed.

That’s where he passed preyed on by malice.
Then swiftly as a whirlwind flies,
Another genius left us hapless,
Another captain of our minds.

He vanished mourned by sacred freedom
And left the world which had him crowned.
Make noise and surge, you, weather-beaten:
He was, O Sea, your singer proud.

Your imprint on him grew but stronger;
He was your spirit’s truthful son:
Like you commanding, deep, and somber;
Like you subservient to none.

The world’s now barren... And wherever
You, Ocean, rather carry me,
Earth’s fate will be the same as ever;
With any drop of good — a tether:
Enlightenment or tyranny.

Farewell, O Sea! I won’t forget you,
Nor how your solemn beauty calls;
Time after time I will continue
To hear your din when evening falls.

To woods and sands I’ll take your power;
I’ll bring along with me and save
Your every cliff and every harbor,
Hum, shine, and shadow of the wave.