European Elegies/Spring/The cuckoo
62.THE CUCKOO
The cuckoo's call rings loud and gayDown Cuawg's vale at break of day:For dawn demands a lavish melody.
By Cuawg stream the cuckoos singOn blossomed branches of the spring;Ah, let their full notes pour forth ceaselessly!
The cuckoos chant by Cuawg streamWhere spring's bright-blossomed branches gleam:Their happy notes bring back the tears to me!
By Cuawg stream the cuckoo's songAwakens memories doubly strongOf one who hears no more their gaiety.
And while the clamorous cuckoos callFrom ivied trunk and branches tall,My heart renews its old, mute misery.
From the Old Welsh (Red Book of Hergest).