ADIEU TO COÏMBRA

by: Luis Vas de Camões (1524-1580)

WEET lucent waters of Mondego's stream,

Of my Remembrance restful jouissance,

Where far-fet, lingering, traitorous Esperance,

Longwhile misled me in a blinding Dream;

From you I part, yea, still I'll ne'er misdeem

That long-drawn Memories which your charms enhance

Forbid me changing and, in every chance,

E'en as I farther speed I nearer seem.

 

Well may my Fortunes hale this instrument

Of Soul o'er new strange regions wide and side,

Offered to winds and watery element;

But hence my Spirit, by you 'companied,

Borne on the nimble wings that Reverie lent,

Flies home and bathes her, Waters, in your tide.

--Translated by R.F. Burton

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