Seite 42 von 83

I know not from what distant time thou art ever coming nearer to

meet me. Thy sun and stars can never keep thee hidden from me for

aye.

In many a morning and eve thy footsteps have been heard and thy

messenger has come within my heart and called me in secret.

I know not only why today my life is all astir, and a feeling of

tremulous joy is passing through my heart.

It is as if the time were come to wind up my work, and I feel in

the air a faint smell of thy sweet presence.

47.

The night is nearly spent waiting for him in vain. I fear lest in

the morning he suddenly come to my door when I have fallen asleep

wearied out. Oh friends, leave the way open to him- forbid him

not.

If the sounds of his steps does not wake me, do not try to rouse

me, I pray. I wish not to be called from my sleep by the

clamorous choir of birds, by the riot of wind at the festival of

morning light. Let me sleep undisturbed even if my lord comes of

a sudden to my door.