C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Song: Farewell

From ‘The Trumpeter of Säkkingen’

THIS is the bitterness of life’s long story,—

That ever near the rose the thorns are set;

Poor heart, that dwells at first in dreams of glory,

The parting comes, and eyes with tears are wet.

Ah, once I read thine eyes, thy spirit’s prison,

And love and joy in their clear depths could see:

May God protect thee! ’twas too fair a vision;

May God protect thee! it was not to be.

Long had I borne with envy, hate, and sorrow,

Weary and worn, by many a tempest tried;

I dreamed of peace and of a bright to-morrow,

And lo! my pathway led me to thy side.

I longed within thine arms to rest; then, risen

In strength and gladness, give my life to thee:

May God protect thee! ’twas too fair a vision;

May God protect thee! it was not to be.

Winds whirl the leaves, the clouds are driven together,

Through wood and meadow beats a storm of rain:

To say farewell ’tis just the fitting weather,

For like the sky, the world seems gray with pain.

Yet good nor ill shall shake my heart’s decision;

Thou slender maid, I still must dream of thee!

May God protect thee! ’twas too fair a vision;

May God protect thee! it was not to be.