A Dirge

"Mein Herz, mein Herz ist traurig Doch lustig leuchtet der Mai" There's May amid the meadows, There's May amid the trees; Her May-time note the cuckoo Sends forth upon the breeze. Above the rippling river May swallows skim and dart; November and December Keep watch within my heart. The spring breathes in the breezes, The woods with wood-notes ring, And all the budding hedgerows Are fragrant of the spring. In secret, silent places The live green things upstart; Ice-bound, ice-crown'd dwells winter For ever in my heart. Upon the bridge I linger, Near where the lime-trees grow; Above, swart birds are circling, Beneath, the stream runs slow. A stripling and a maiden Come wand'ring up the way; His eyes are glad with springtime, Her face is fair with May. Of warmth the sun and sweetness All nature takes a part; The ice of all the ages Weighs down upon my heart.