Soft through the hush of summer night, A long-stilled song returned again; Sweet elfish music clear and light Stirred the leaves with its faint refrain. They sang the song we loved so well, So well, when we were young and gay. 'Twas vain on happiness to dwell I knew -- to long for that lost day. Then, suddenly, I saw you there And felt -- e'en though you did not speak, Your soft caress upon my hair, Your breath upon my fevered cheek. You startled into life a flame -- A flame I thought the years had killed; You brought my lips a long-lost name, My very soul with rapture filled. The song has died away once more; I wake to see a dancing beam Alight upon the shadowy floor, And know that all was but a dream. The music ends to leave a lull Of lone night and a world apart, A solemn stillness save the dull, Dull beating of a weary heart. |