Altes Kaminstück

Outside, white snowflakes are blowing Through the night: the storm is loud: Here I’m alone, beside the blazing Hearth inside, warm, quietly bowed. I sit here in my chair, just thinking, Here beside the crackling glow, Kettle humming, as its boiling, Melodies from long ago. And my little cat sits near me Warms its paws beside the coals, While the flames are flickering, weaving Brave imaginings in my soul. Now many a long forgotten age Rises in twilight air, As if in shining masquerade, And faded splendour, there. Lovely women with knowing glances Beckoning with sweet mystery, And Harlequins in prancing dances Leaping, laughing merrily. Marble gods from furthest distance Greet me: near them, dreamlike, grow Flowers, from tales, that entrance In the moonlight glow. Many a magic castle, rising, Swims uncertainly to view, Behind them gleaming knights riding And with them pageboys too. And all of this goes flashing by, Hurrying on in shadow flight – Ah! The kettle’s boiling over, And the little cat howls with fright.