Classic Poem

I heard my ancient sea-blood say,
And wise in youth it counselled me, —
" When women lure, when men betray,
Break topsails for the open sea. "

I crowded sail on spar and mast,
And half the world I left behind;
But in my breast I held it fast,
That truth in men I still should find.

I set my life on swords of three,
My back against my castle wall;
Now should I cry, " À moi, amis! "
It is three ghosts would come at call.

Alone upon the " Far Away, "
And nothing human sails with me;
My bare poles dip, through sun and spray,
The dim marge of God's outer sea.