Who would know thee, a loving heart must bring, And hear with his heart's ears; else shall he miss Thy perfect message and his own true bliss, — As bird that fain would soar on single wing, But faints and falls in its unequal flight; For deepest depths of human tenderness Are thine, — the mother's love and dear caress, The wanderer's longing for the blessed sight Of home and Fatherland, the lover's heart, Wild with despair, or thrilled with joyance sweet Of happy souls who full requital meet. Thus nature's yearnings find in thee a part; O gentlest Master of them all, — since pain And joy do live, thou hast not lived in vain! |