European Elegies/Winter/The hatefulness of death
37.THE HATEFULNESS OF DEATH
Go, lovely woman, haste and proveThe features of the man you love,Watch earnestly his ardent air,His quiet eyes and shining hair,Till you can hold the happy graceWith which he smiles down in your face.For sudden silence stills the voiceForever, that declares its joysIn proudly praising you to-day.Alas, a fathom deep in clayThat tongue is rotting in his mouthWherewith he sang your radiant youthIn his light-hearted gaiety:No longer may it form with gleeThe words that made your bosom throb.Recall, too, with a choking sobThe bearded chin and lips you won;For now the vile earth lies uponThe tender arms that held you fastAnd guarded you from every blastIn happy days, forever past.
From the Middle High German of Heinrich von Melk.