Tears

Luís de Camões

Over these waters I sail to whatever lies
ahead, to whatever the Fates desire, since I’ve
already, somehow, managed to survive
the watery tears that fell from my lover’s eyes.
It was time to leave: a thousand troubles were,
at last, overcome on that sad departure day,
but then her streams of love obstructed my way,
trying to keep me from sailing away from her.
But with obstinate will, I passed through her tears,
like one, already doomed, who calmly foresees
his death with the fearless despair of certain defeat.
So how, when angry, ravenous Death appears,
will he attempt to frighten me, when he’s
finally got me bound and prostrate at his feet?