Ships, we have loved you to no purpose

Ships, we have loved you to no purpose;

The last of you has left upon the sea.

The setting sun has carried off so many full sails

That this port and my heart are forever empty.

The sea has returned you to your destiny

Beyond the shore where footsteps end.

We could not keep your souls enchained;

For you there must be distances that I do not know.

I am one of those whose wishes are on land;

The wind that intoxicates you fills my heart with dread.

But your call in the depth of night makes me despair,

For I have great departures unsatisfied within.