Читать книгу The Greatest German Classics (Vol. 1-14) - Various - Страница 1380

So have we proved our worth—content

If we our patron's praises earn:

With but two ships abroad we went,

With twenty we to port return.

By our rich lading all may see

The great successes we have wrought.

Free ocean makes the spirit free:

There claims compunction ne'er a thought!

A rapid grip there needs alone;

A fish, a ship, on both we seize.

Of three if we the lordship own,

Straightway we hook a fourth with ease,

Then is the fifth in sorry plight—

Who hath the power, has still the right;

The What is asked for, not the How. Else know I not the seaman's art: War, commerce, piracy, I trow, A trinity, we may not part.