To Alberto Teles Poem by Antero Tarquinio de Quental

Alone! – On the hill the solitary hermit
Glimpses God, who grants him solace.
At sea the sailor whom the high winds toss
Waits for a friendly breeze from heaven. . .

Alone! – A man who has settled abroad,
Though far from his people, has fond remembrance;
And who weeps at night on a barren precipice
At least has the hope that’s given by God.

Alone! – Not he who amidst his pains
Has a tie that binds him to his fate:
A faith, a desire. . . or a care, a concern. . .

But to cross one’s listless arms in disdain,
To pass through a crowd forever separate
– That is to be alone: alone and forlorn!