Suliko

"In vain I sought my loved one's grave; Despair plunged me in deepest woe. Overwhelmed with bursting sobs I cried: O where are you, my Suliko?" In solitude upon a bush A rose In loveliness did grow; With downcast eyes I softly asked: "Isn't that you, O Suliko?" The flower trembled in assent As low it bent its lovely bead; Upon its blushing cheek there shone Tears that the morning skies had shed. Midst rustling leaves a nightingale Was singing to the rose below; I hailed the bird and gently asked: "Isn't that you, O Suliko?" The songster fluttered nearer to The rose, and on it pressed a kiss; Disburdening its soul in song That breathed of ecstasy and bliss. A twinkling star shed shimmering light Upon me in a silver glow; I turned to it, and whispered low; "Isn't that you, O Suliko?" As I gazed on the star that shone In light that glimmered bright and clear A gentle breeze came passing by And stopped to whisper in my ear. "What thou dost seek is found at last. Henceforth your heart but calm will know; The night will bring you sweet repose. And lay will chase away your woe. "Your Suliko was changed into A nightingale, a star and rose; Your souls that true love bound as one To realms divine in heavens rose." I seek no more my loved one's grave, No more do I in sorrow weep, The world no longer hears me sigh; Nor sees me drowned in anguish deep. None can express the bliss I feel To hear the nightingale from far, To breathe the essence of the rose; And gaze upon the shining star. My bosom throbs once more in joy; No more am I oppressed by woe; I seek no tomb, for now I see Thy dwellings three, my Suliko!"