On a three-master of the Navy,
bristling with pride from bow to stern,
on a three-master of the Navy,
my beloved serves as a seaman.
Aboard the Saint-Michael-Archangel
he wears the seaman's outfit.
We traded each other's hearts,
so that mine now sails beside him.
He followed Mr de Joinville
in Cherbourg as he set sail.
He followed Mr. de Joinville
up to the shores of Tahiti.
Protect him, benevolent Virgin
from all the perils of the sea.
On your altar I've put three candles
upon the iron candlestick.
Protect him from the evil charms
of the women who dwell there.
Satan is their accomplice
and their kisses never fade.
They say they dance naked,
so told me our rector,
and sing songs alien to us
while weaving strings of flowers.
But rather than having him betray
my jealous heart, sweet Virgin,
and being unfaithful to me,
I beg you on both my knees,
rather than having him share
the bed of these mermaids of doom
and taste on their lips
the bitter salt of my sorrow,
I ask your divine hands to guide
the lightning at your command
and smite the Navy three-master
on which my sweetheart sails.
Lead her into the midst of storms,
smash her against the reefs,
bend under the yoke of tempests
the pride of her flattened masts.
Send the Saint-Michael-Archangel
and Joinville and all his sailors
to their doom, so that the sharks
may feast on these lying lips.