Classic Poem

And dost thou understand me, spirit-stranger,
Whose eyes are sweet?
Dost thou watch over me, and shield from danger
My wandering feet?
Art thou, love, with me when the sea's grey billows
Would quite cast down?
Dost thou then lead me forth beside green willows, —
Dost soothe me and crown?

I am repaid, if thou dost love me, O stranger,
Gertrude (art thou?) —
Leading me through defiles of death and danger,
With snow-white brow.
If thou dost hear me, and all thy spirit listens,
I am repaid:
If once in thy clear eye the soft tear glistens,
Sorrow is outweighed.

I am repaid for trouble and tribulation,
For grief and pain,
If thou, descending from thy queenly station,
Dost hear my strain
When mortal women fail, do thou immortal,
Uphold my feet:
Let white wings shine athwart heaven's golden portal,
Where all is sweet.

Do thou by night upon my heart descending,
With lips more fair
Than fairest rose its lavish perfume blending
With summer air
Console me, and uplift me and restore me
To joyous things,
Bending rose-soft and snow-ethereal o'er me,
With snow-soft wings.