'Tis Time to Sail
translated by William M. Hardinge
'Tis time to sail--the swallow's note is heard,
Who chattering down the soft west wind is come,
The fields are all aflower, the waves are dumb
Which erst the winnowing blast of winter stirred.
Loose cable, friend, and bid your anchor rise,
Crowd all your canvas at Priapus' hest,
Who tells you from the harbours--"Now 'twere best,
Sailor, to sail upon your merchandise."
