On the Stormy Sea
by: Alcaeus (7th-6th century B.C.)
translated by Walter Petersen
Her cargo all is cast into the waters,
To save the ship perchance; yet now she totters,
Struck by a loudly thundering wave,
Which fills with terror e'en the brave.
No more to struggle against the stormy weather,
The savage tempest, she desires, but rather
To founder on the hidden reefs--
Thus mountain-high the Ocean heaves.
This to forget, my friend, wish I--'tis better
In thy glad company my cares to scatter.
Of love and friendship let us think,
And honeyed wine with Bacchus drink.
