In warning tone, it seems to say:
Laugh on, ye fool, for you can’t laugh long;
Even now there’s a cloud in sight.
As it passes the sun you’ll change your song,
And life will not be near so bright.
Then we look about through the bright blue sky.
There’s no cloud there that we can see.
We ridicule the mermaid’s cry
And drink long life and prosperity.
Then the sea grows rough, and our frail bark