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, whispering
Of youth and love, my spirit fill.
Thy quiet spell enchants me still!
The soft May breezes, whispering
Of youth and love, my spirit fill.
How often on such nights the bay
Of friendly watch-dogs used to greet
My wooing footsteps to the gay
White cottage in the village street!
Of friendly watch-dogs used to greet
My wooing footsteps to the gay
White cottage in the village street!
How light my feet, how light my heart!
How clear the carol that I sang
As I fulfilled the lover's part
And youth flamed bright without a pang!
How clear the carol that I sang
As I fulfilled the lover's part
And 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!
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's
Twin happiness of love and youth;
But me a wifeless bed awaits-
Dark grief, for God's sake, show me ruth!
Twin 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.