A Castaway of the South

"God bless all maidens fair, but mostThe jailor's daughter gay;She who in youth's sweet pityStruck all my bonds away;

And should I e'er return to Nantes,I'll wed her yea or nay:Gai faluron falurette!I'll wed her yea or nay—Gai faluron dondié"

"If thou art dead I pray thee come not near me.For living, I, the parting word have said;If thou canst hear, O noblest spirit, hear me!Touch not my presence now, if thou art dead.

"I would be strong, be faithful, and enduring;Fret at no chain, accuse not, nor despair;Strain at no hope, bend to no light alluring;Nor memory cherish, for that thou art there.

"If thou art dead, have pity; see, I tremble!I dare not love thee, Love, so sore bestead;I would be true, though he, though all, dissemble—Why wakens so my heart, if thou art dead?"