In Stormy Night

In tempestuous autumn night When darkness covers all, Near windows where some one keeps light You hear a rustling call.

And you don’t know, does the wind sigh In that night, cold and dark, Or does a bird knock that came night: “Unlock your window, hark!”

I listen to its whispering: “To your world, in haze clad, From starry regions we now bring You greetings from the dead.”

“We are great dreams, flying to earth, Thoughts no one yet did speak, And souls in which we could find birth Are what we come to seek!”

I strain mine eye, I strain mine ear To darkness, wide and far And now it seems to me I hear Some window go ajar.

Again it sighs, I hear it call “Admit us, too, good host: We are the greatest thoughts of all, But also damned the most!”

And now wings rustle near the frame, The storm shakes trees and cries: “Does no one want undying fame, If pain should be its price?”