Three Songs from the German of Emanuel Geibel, II

(“Schöne Lilie.”)

Spotless lily in the garden, Fair and high on slender stem, In the morning breeze thou wavest Like a dainty silver flame.

How thy chalice opens upward To admit the sunlight’s gleam! Scarce unto the earth belonging, Part of Heaven dost thou seem.

Ah, thou bearest greetings to me From a being pure as thou, Whom I called my spirit’s spirit, Once with many a loving vow;

She who taught me to discover Love that lurks in sorrow’s smart; Now, if I but think upon her Sudden stillness fills my heart.