Welcome and Farewell

My heart was beating, swiftly to horse! Faster even than thought it was done. Already evening cradled earth’s course, And night hung over the mountain cone: Already the misty oak-tree stood, A vast giant, towering upwards there, Where from out the shadowy wood A hundred dark eyes seemed to stare. From a bank of cloud the Moon gazed, Sadly out of the mist about her, The winds beat soft wings, and strayed Around my terror-stricken ears: The night begot a thousand monsters, But my spirit was joyful, lively: Deep inside my veins what fire! Deep inside my heart what heat! I saw you, and full measure of bliss Flowed to me from your sweet eyes: I drew for you my every breath, My heart was wholly on your side. Springtime’s rose-red glow, it shone All about your lovely face, lit Tenderly for me – dear God! I had hoped, but not deserved it! But ah, already at morning light My heart was crushed in parting: In your kisses what delight! In your eyes what suffering! I went, you stood, looked from above, And saw me go with tearful gaze: And yet what joy to be loved! Dear God, to love what happiness!