The Quest Of The White Heather

Schwartz Wald

I sought at dawn for the sweet white heather, In hiding among the blue, The earth was warm with the summer weather, The flowers still damp with dew.

I moved a stone with my foot in walking, A lizard ran out in fear, Two tiny streams to each other talking Complained that I came so near.

And all alone on the side of the mountain I spoke to the new-born Day, Oh! help me to gather some rare white heather Sweet Morning, show me the way!

A big stag beetle crawled close in wonder, A grasshopper chirped of rain, A bee just pushing some flowers asunder Buzzed loud in his vast disdain.

The pines swayed gently, as though with laughter, They knew what I came to seek! A thistledown that the breeze ran after Brushed lightly against my cheek.

And all alone on the side of the mountain I spoke to the new born Day, Oh! help me to gather some rare white heather, Sweet Morning, show me the way!

A trout jumped high with a rainbow shudder, To see how the mortals look, Then swayed his tail like a silver rudder, And swam away in the brook.

I think I heard all the Pixies saying "No heather that's white you'll find!" I know I saw little Gnome-folk playing Where shadowy boughs reclined—

And all alone on the side of the mountain I spoke to the new born Day, O help me to gather some rare white heather, Sweet Morning, show me the way!

Alas! alas! for the fairy flower, My feet grew weary in vain, I sought for luck thro' each sunlit bower, To find it truant again.

Then while I paused on the side of the mountain The stillness was cleft apart, And Morning cried "He who seeks white heather Must find it deep in his heart!"