European Elegies/Winter/The lament of Admetus
47.THE LAMENT OF ADMETUS
How shall I enter, O my shining hall?
How shall I enter, since foul fortunes fall
And desolation has confounded all?
How shall I enter, since foul fortunes fall
And desolation has confounded all?
I entered once when torches were aflare,
Exultant bridal chantings rent the air,
And a sweet spouse was all my tender care.
Exultant bridal chantings rent the air,
And a sweet spouse was all my tender care.
Clamorous revels were our escort then,
And every voice acclaimed my bride and me,
Both sprung from noblest of heredity
And made one flesh to the delight of men.
And every voice acclaimed my bride and me,
Both sprung from noblest of heredity
And made one flesh to the delight of men.
But now a dirge has stilled the marriage song;
Tenebrous grief has robbed our robes of white;
And silent escorts lead me back to-night
To lie alone where love was once so strong.
Tenebrous grief has robbed our robes of white;
And silent escorts lead me back to-night
To lie alone where love was once so strong.