Luís de Camões (c. 1524–1580)

Translated by J. J. Aubertin

NEVER did love his boldness hurtful find;

Fortune hath ever favours for the bold;

For cowardice, that shivers in the cold,

Hangs like a stone on freedom of the mind.

Who dares the Firmament sublime ascend,

Meets there a star, whereby his course is told;

The good mere Fancy in its range doth hold

Illusive is, soon scattered by the wind.

A path for fortune should be opened free;

To none, without himself, will greatness fall;

Chance moving only in first steps appears.

To dare is valour, madness ’twill not be;

He to whom fortune shows thee, loses all,

If, coward like, he doth not scorn his fears.