Little ship, where are you going shore to shore, come out so I can see you
You’ve cast a spell on me
and I am mad about you,
your sister’s put a spell on me
and I am mad about you.
with red flag and golden cross, come out so I can see you
Come out so I can see you and get well
so I don’t decline and die,
come out so I can see you for a while
and my longing be fulfilled.
if you’re going to Constantinople and to Saint Sophia, my sweet
Come now, come, I’m speaking to you
don’t torture me and make me cry,
come now, come, my little dove,
let me take you in my arms.
take me aboard and pull away, come out so I can see you
Come now, just the two of us
let me make the bunk you’ll sleep in
come now, come along with me
so you’ll have a gladsome time.
boats hailing from Psara have anchored at Constantinople, o my sweet smelling basil
It is your plaited head of hair
that’s maddened many and myself,
your tresses and that neck of yours
have made me think of you.
the Turkish girls noticed them and sighed, I know not why.
That pair of small dark eyes of yours
are full of longing and of passion,
the lashes of your eyes close tight
and will not let me go.
Translated by John Leatham
