  The seven fleets of Venice Set sail across the sea For Cyprus and for Trebizond Ayoub and Araby. Their gonfalons are floating far, St. Mark's has heard the mass, And to the noon the salt lagoon Lies white, like burning glass. The seven fleets of Venice— And each its way to go, Led by a Falier or Tron, Zorzi or Dandalo. The Patriarch has blessed them all, The Doge has waved the word, Of waiting winds are heard. The seven fleets of Venice— And what shall be their fate? One shall return with porphyry And pearl and fair agÀte. One shall return with spice and spoil And silk of Samarcand. But nevermore shall one win o'er The sea, to any land. Oh, they shall bring the East back, And they shall bring the West, The seven fleets our Venice sets A-sail upon her quest. But some shall bring despair back And some shall leave their keels Deeper than wind or wave frets, Or sun ever steals. |
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