Serenade

How sombre is the gloom! I see no beam of star, Gleam o'er the garden's bloom, Or silent wood afar; So dark the thoughts which shroud His soul who sings to thee; Oh lady, cold and proud; Who scorn'st to think on me; Lady, lady, wake! List oh! list.

The firefly lights the night, A moment and then dies; The lilacs pine for light, With sweet and odorous sighs: So Hope's deceitful beam, Illumines my despair, While I still sigh and dream, With many a sobbing prayer, Lady, lady, list! List and smile!

Lo! now the clouds break off, And heaven once more is free; The mounts their garments doff, The mists rise from the sea; From yonder casement high She looks, she looks, oh see! She bends on me her eye Of heavenly brilliancy: Lady, lady, dear; Lady dear!