European Elegies/Spring/Spring night
65.SPRING NIGHT
O gentle night, sweet night of spring,Thy quiet spell enchants me still!The soft May breezes, whisperingOf youth and love, my spirit fill.
How often on such nights the bayOf friendly watch-dogs used to greetMy wooing footsteps to the gayWhite cottage in the village street!
How light my feet, how light my heart!How clear the carol that I sangAs I fulfilled the lover's partAnd youth flamed bright without a pang!
Alas, young nights, nights far and fair,Heaven of love, where have you fled?My eyes are flooded with despair:Harsh moon, ah hide thy mocking head!
Yet holy still to some is fate'sTwin happiness of love and youth;But me a wifeless bed awaits-Dark grief, for God's sake, show me ruth!
From the Slovene of Josip Stritar.