Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare; 16 Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss, Though winning near the goal-yet, do not grieve; She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss, Forever wilt thou love, and she be fair! Ah, happy, happy boughs! that cannot shed 20 Forever piping songs forever new; More happy love! more happy, happy love! Forever warm and still to be enjoy'd, Forever panting, and forever young; All breathing human passion far above, That leaves a heart high-sorrowful and cloy'd, A burning forehead, and a parching tongue. Who are these coming to the sacrifice? To what green altar, O mysterious priest, Is emptied of this folk, this pious morn? 31 |