Im Traum sah ich die Geliebte

I saw in a dream the Beloved,
A woman careworn and gray;
That radiant, blossoming body
Withered and fallen away.

One child in her arms she carried,
And one by her hand was led;
And struggle and sorrow were written
In her look, her clothes, her tread.

She stumbled toward the market,
And there I met her, and she
Saw me, and I began speaking
Calmly and mournfully:

" Oh, come with me to my dwelling,
For thou art sick and pale;
And meat and drink I'll work for
To make thee whole and hale.

" And I will tend and cherish
Thy children undefiled;
But thee, before all others,
Thou poor, unfortunate child.

" And I will never speak of
My love so torn and deep.
And when at last thou diest,
Upon thy grave I'll weep. "