WHEN unto thee I sent the page all white,

Lo! a young and handsome manPass’d my spinning-wheel.And he praised,–what harm was there?–Sweet the things he said–Praised my flax-resembling hair,And the even thread.He with this was not content,But must needs do more;And in twain the thread was rent,Though ’twas safe before.And the flax’s stonelike weightNeeded to be told;But no longer was its stateValued as of…

Adam fast sunk; He gently laidEve near him,–she, too, fell asleep.There lay they now, on earth’s fair shrine,God’s two most beauteous thoughts divine.–When this He saw, He cried:–‘Tis Good!!!And scarce could move from where He stood.No wonder, that our joy’s completeWhile eye and eye responsive meet,When this blest thought of rapture moves us–That we’re with…

No doubt she’s list’ning eagerly,If I’m at home or no.And if the jealous grudge I boreAnd openly confess’d,Is nourish’d by me as before,Within my inmost breast.Alas! no fancies such as theseE’er cross’d the dear child’s thoughts.I see ’tis but the ev’ning breezeThat with the curtain sports.

‘Mongst streaming caves,O’er misty waves,On, on! still on!Peace, rest have flown!Sooner through sadnessI’d wish to be slain,Than all the gladnessOf life to sustainAll the fond yearningThat heart feels for heart,Only seems burningTo make them both smart.How shall I fly?Forestwards hie?Vain were all strife!Bright crown of life.Turbulent bliss,–Love, thou art this!

But e’en now the humid WestScatters many a vernal shower.Should the verdure give me joy?‘Tis to it I owe the shade;Soon will storms its bloom destroy,Soon will Autumn bid it fade.Eagerly thy portion seize,If thou wouldst possess the fruit!Fast begin to ripen these,And the rest already shoot.With each heavy storm of rainChange comes o’er thy…

Quivering mists in silv’ry dressFloat around thy features bright;When thy gentle foot is heard,From the day-closed caverns thenWake the mournful ghosts of men,I, too, wake, and each night-bird.O’er a field of boundless spanLooks thy gaze both far and wide.Raise me upwards to thy side!Grant this to a raving man!And to heights of rapture raised,Let the…