No one had such luck
on the waters of the sea
as did Prince Arnaldos
the morning of St John.

While he went seeking quarry
that he might feed his hawk,
he caught sight of a galley
putting into land.

Her sails are of silk fabric,
her rigging golden rope,
her anchors are of silver,
fine corals are her boards.

The sailor at the rudder
goes on singing a song
that smooths out the billows
and bids the winds lull;

upward brings the fishes
swimming in the depths,
makes the flying birds
alight upon the mast.

Spoke then Prince Arnaldos,
listen to his words:
'Upon my life, sailor,
tell me now that song.'

The sailor then answered,
here is his reply:
'I tell my song to no one
except he go with me.'

 

Notes on Prince Arnaldos

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