Junge Leiden: A Spring Trouble
All the meadowlands were gay1
Once upon a morn of May ;2
All the tree of life was dight3
With the blossoms of delight.4
And my whole heart was a-tune5
With the songs of long ere noon—6
Dew-bedecked and fresh and free,7
As the un-sunned meadows be.8
‘ Lo !’ I said unto my spirit,9
‘ Earth and sky dost thou inherit.’10
Forth I wandered, void of care,11
In the largesse of the air.12
By there came a damosel,13
At a look I loved her well :14
But she passed and would not stay—15
And all the rest has gone away.16
And now no fields are fair to see,17
Nor any bud on any tree ;18
Nor have I share in earth or sky—19
All for a maiden’s passing by !20