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 fallAnd 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.
Clamorous revels were our escort then,And every voice acclaimed my bride and me,Both sprung from noblest of heredityAnd 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-nightTo lie alone where love was once so strong.