THE INFANTE

God wills, the man dreams, and the work is born. God did that the earth should be all one,

That what the sea might join be now not torn. He hallowed you. Foam-unveiling, you went.

And the white orle from isle to continent lit Up, running on and on to the world's end, And suddenly Earth was seen total, out From the profound azure arising, round.

Who hallowed you created you Portuguese. To the sea and to us you were His call.

The Sea grew whole, the Empire shook to pieces. Lord, what lacks is to make whole Portugal!

FERNANDO PESSOA (1888 – 1935)

DEAR GENTLE SOUL

Dear gentle soul, who went so soon away Departing from this life in discontent, Repose in that far sky to which you went While on this earth I linger in dismay. In the ethereal seat where you must be, If you consent to memories of our sphere, Recall the love which, burning pure and clear; So often in my eyes you used to see! If then, in the incurable, long anguish Of having lost you, as I pine and languish, You see some merit-do this favour for me: And to the God who cut your life short, pray That he as early to your sight restore me As from my own he swept you far away.

Luis Vaz de Camões (1524-1580)