Classic Poem

Listen! like hum from unseen nests we hear
A mirthful buzz of voices coming near,
Of footsteps—laughter—from the trembling trees.
And now the thick-set forest all receives
A flood of moonlight—and there gently floats
The sound of a guitar of Innsbruck; notes
Which blend with chimes—vibrating to the hand—
Of tiny bell—where sounds a grain of sand.
A man's voice mixes with the melody,
And vaguely melts to song in harmony.

“If you like we'll dream a dream.
Let us mount on palfreys two;
Birds are singing,—let it seem
You lure me—and I take you.

“Let us start—'tis eve, you see,
I'm thy master and thy prey.
My bright steel shall pleasure be;
Yours, it shall be love, I say.

“Journeying leisurely we go,
We will make our steeds touch heads,
Kiss for fodder,—and we so
Satisfy our horses' needs.

“Come! the two delusive things
Stamp impatiently it seems,
Yours has heavenward soaring wings,
Mine is of the land of dreams.

“What's our baggage? only vows,
Happiness, and all our care.
And the flower that sweetly shows
Nestling lightly in your hair.

“Come, the oaks all dark appear,
Twilight now will soon depart,
Railing sparrows laugh to hear
Chains thou puttest round my heart.

“Not my fault 'twill surely be
If the hills should vocal prove,
And the trees when us they see,
All should murmur—let us love!

“Oh, be gentle!—I am dazed,
See the dew is on the grass,
Wakened butterflies amazed
Follow thee as on we pass.

“Envious night-birds open wide
Their round eyes to gaze awhile,
Nymphs that lean their urns beside
From their grottoes softly smile,

“And exclaim, by fancy stirred,
‘Hero and Leander they;
We in listening for a word
Let our water fall away.’

“Let us journey Austrian way,
With the daybreak on our brow;
I be great, and you I say
Rich, because we love shall know.

“Let us over countries rove,
Ón our charming steeds content,
In the azure light of love,
And its sweet bewilderment.

“For the charges at our inn,
You with maiden smiles shall pay:
I the landlord's heart will win
In a scholar's pleasant way.

“You, great lady—and I, Count—
Come, my heart has opened quite.
We this tale will still recount,
To the stars that shine at night.”

The melody went on some moments more
Among the trees the calm moon glistened o'er,
Then trembled and was hushed; the voice's thrill
Stopped like alighting birds, and all was still.