The poet transitions from excitedly talking about wandering upon the open sea to talking about how life is short—and, indeed, the only time we have to enjoy ourselves. According to the poet, we can't take anything with us when we die, and, though we may be praised by those still living, praise will be meaningless to us once we're dead.

This can be considered a change of topic, but it can also be considered a reinforcement for the lines before. The poet makes it clear that the glories of adventuring at sea are enchanting specifically because life is short, and so the poet values seeing and experiencing as much as possible before they fall to one of Fate's threats.