Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SWAN, by JOHAN LUDVIG RUNEBERG


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SWAN, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From cloud with purple-sprinkled rim
Last Line: And sung songs there in spring!
Alternate Author Name(s): Runeberg, J. L.


FROM cloud with purple-sprinkled rim,
A swan, in calm delight,
Sank down upon the river's brim,
And sang in June, one night.

Of Northlands' beauty was his song,
How glad their skies, their air;

How day forgets, the whole night long,
To go to rest out there;

How shadows there, both rich and deep,
'Neath birch and alder fall;
How gold-beams o'er each inlet sweep,
How cool the billows all;

How fair it is, how passing fair,
To own there one true friend!
How faithfulness is home-bred there,
And thither longs to wend!

When thus from wave to wave his note.
His simple praise-song rang,
Swift fawned he on his fond mate's throat,
And thus, methought, he sang: --

What more? though of thy life's short dream
No tales the ages bring,
Yet hast thou loved on Northlands' stream,
And sung songs there in spring!






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