European Elegies/Spring/On the old bridge
71.ON THE OLD BRIDGE
Upon the old bridge, marred with moss
And lichens' red corrosion, here
Two whispering lovers leaned across:
'Twas we, my dear!
And lichens' red corrosion, here
Two whispering lovers leaned across:
'Twas we, my dear!
He, urging tenderly his plea,
Laid all his life before her feet
And pledged her his fidelity:
'Twas I, my sweet!
Laid all his life before her feet
And pledged her his fidelity:
'Twas I, my sweet!
And she seemed hesitant and pale,
Trembled yet did not disapprove,
As listening to a far-off tale:
'Twas you, my love!
Trembled yet did not disapprove,
As listening to a far-off tale:
'Twas you, my love!
On the old bridge two lovers pass
Once more to hold sweet rendez-vous.
He tells his love; she smiles: alas,
Not, not we two!
Once more to hold sweet rendez-vous.
He tells his love; she smiles: alas,
Not, not we two!
From the French of Auguste Angellier.