I I KNOW not how it falls on me, This summer evening, hushed and lone; Yet the faint wind comes soothingly With something of an olden tone. Forgive me if I've shunned so long Your gentle greeting, earth and air! But sorrow withers e'en the strong, And who can fight against despair? 2 LADY, watch Apollo's journey; Thus thy first hour's course shall be: If his arms through summer vapours Warm the earth all placidly, Her days shall pass like a pleasant dream in sweet tranquillity. If it darken, if a shadow Quench his rays and summon rain, Flowers may open, buds may blossom, Bud and flower alike are vain; Her days shall pass like a mournful story in care and tears and pain. If the wind be fresh and free, The wide skies clear and cloudless blue, The woods and fields and golden flowers Sparkling in sunshine and in dew, Her days shall pass in Glory's light the world's drear desert through. |