We sat together by the lake.
So smooth it seemed, so still, so fair,
That neither of us dared to break
The silent evening air.

We watched the rocks and forests glow
Within the sinking sun's last beams
Reflected tranquilly below
Like a charmed land of dreams.

At length you sighed and raised your head,
And smiling looked into my eyes.
Had you but smiled and nothing said,
Ah love, you had been most wise.

But wisdom comes not till love dies,
Alas, with the first word you spoke,
The light had faded from the skies,
The magic circle broke.

The sun sank down; the mirrored hill
Grew dark, the forest dim and gray.
We had been gazing on it still,
Had you found nought to say.