O long the way and short the day,
No light in tower or town,
The waters roar and far the shore--
...
Come, beneath yon verdant branches,
Come, my own, with me!
Come, and there my soul will open
Secret doors to thee.
...
IN the azure aerial ocean the silver clouds
hover; stars twinkle, stars are merry, but the
moon is pale and silent.
...
No, not from tuning-forks of gold
Take I my key for singing;
From Upper Seats no order bold
Can set my music ringing;
...
Once again my songs I sing thee,
Now the spell is broken;
Brothers, yet again I bring thee
Songs of love the token.
...
Work with might and main,
Or with hand and heart,
Work with soul and brain,
Or with holy art,
...
Written today, and read today,
And stale the news tomorrow!--
Upon the sands I build... I _play!_
I play, and weep in sorrow:
...
Little candles glistening,
Telling those are listening
Legends manifold,
Many a little story,
...
The wind is keen, the frost is dread,
Toward the icy water,
By aunt and mother forth is led
The fisher's lovely daughter.
...
May has come from out the showers,
Sun and splendor in her train.
All the grasses and the flowers
Waken up to life again.
...