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Esther’s Song.
71
ESTHER’S SONG (1).
Three gay companions cheered me on my way,
Once in the morning of a flowery day,
With song, and dance, and merry madrigal.
Once in the morning of a flowery day,
With song, and dance, and merry madrigal.
One pledged me in the enchanted wine of love;
One like a music-making wind would move,
And one sang sweeter than the nightingale.
One like a music-making wind would move,
And one sang sweeter than the nightingale.
Youth was the first to tire and lag behind;
His winged sandals slipped, nor could he find
Ever again the path to follow me.
His winged sandals slipped, nor could he find
Ever again the path to follow me.
Hope grew more silent now his friend had fled;
At last he stopped, and pressed my hand, and said,—
‘Farewell! I’ll meet thee at the Trysting-tree!’
At last he stopped, and pressed my hand, and said,—
‘Farewell! I’ll meet thee at the Trysting-tree!’
So on we went, with neither dance nor song;
But with Love near, the way was never long,
And distant music floated through the field.
But with Love near, the way was never long,
And distant music floated through the field.
Ah, what is this? Has Love forsaken me?
Where have I seen this heath—this stricken tree?—
This river that glides slow and mournfully,
And this great angel leaning on his sword?
Where have I seen this heath—this stricken tree?—
This river that glides slow and mournfully,
And this great angel leaning on his sword?