Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616)

Translated by Charles Jarvis
From Don Quixote

BELIEVE me, nymph, I feel th’ impending blow,

And glory in the near approach of death;

For when thou see’st my corse devoid of breath,

My constancy and truth thou sure wilt know.

Welcome to me Oblivion’s shade obscure!

Welcome the loss of fortune, life, and fame!

But thy loved features, and thy honoured name,

Deep graven on my heart, shall still endure.

And these, as sacred relics, will I keep

Till that sad moment when to endless night

My long-tormented soul shall take her flight.

Alas for him who on the darkened deep

Floats idly, sport of the tempestuous tide,

No port to shield him, and no star to guide.