Sliding through sapphire, purfling* white wavelets -
a glorious sight, this salient ship.
Goddess-equipped she would surely outstrip
the blackest of storms, the vilest of threats.

As though Fear feels spurned, chooses reprisal,
horizon divulges cheeked silhouette.
Strange ship spies prize and keenly pirouettes,
charts straightest course for swiftest arrival.

Pray they are honest, seafaring traders,
pray they are not the most vicious of thieves,
pray their intentions are not unlawful.

For manners can mask murderous traitors,
fine cloaks hide weapons, breastplating and greaves.
Pray - I beg you - their fate be not awful.

*Greaves - Armour plate that protects legs below the knee.
*ziphos - a double-edged sword used by the Ancient Greeks