Classic Poem

“L IGHT o' the moon, shine out, shine out,
Round as the wheel of a mill.
Come out, Sweetheart, its glory see,
Listen, the night is still.
Then speak for a while to me!”

“Ah, but I long to come, my love!
See how I bend and yearn.
But candles are still in those windows set;
At a whisper heads will turn. …
Alas, they will part us yet!

“Mother, is't thou? … Nay, strike me not,
Make me not lame for aye.
Peace. … Thou may'st bandage mine eyes to-night,
And lead me the river nigh—
But give me one moment's sight!

“For then I would have one fleeting glance,
Beautiful world, farewell!
Earth, full of all that is loveliest,
Who shall my sad fate tell,
Flung on the river's breast?

“World, thou wert fair as all God's things be;
But hardly my days went by—
Harder it is for me to go—
Sad, O sad to die,
Nor lived my joy to know!”