COSMIC SONGS, NO. XVI
Marvelous fair was indeed the dreamThat all things the Earth are wooing,Thousands of worlds that in ardour spun Around her with love a-glowing.Fair was the dream, yet but a dream,Only one stays of those worlds agleam. Only our faithful Moon.
Only the lone Moon of all that throngAround us is turning ever,She holds by the Earth her whole life long And loses sight of her never.
Little maid, bud of a human flower,See for yourself, sweet Moon:Thousands may seem to be wooing you, Faithful is only one.
JAN NERUDA—Translated by Dora Round for the Central European Observer of Prague.
