Page:Halek's Stories and Evensongs.pdf/22

I
I am that knight of fairy-lore
 Who rode so boldly into the world,
To see the maiden whose beauty
 Like a rose on its bush is unfurled.

And they said that who so beheld her
 With an endless curse was opprest,
Either changed to a stony statue
 Or his heart torn out of his breast.

But I thought in my pride and madness
 Some haply escape sometimes,
Forth rode I, and, for my presumption,
 Am changed to a rhymer of rhymes.

II
All on earth is lapped in slumber,
 All save the heart in my breast;
Tell me, Lord of the firmament,
 Why hath that heart no rest.

This world so divine is silent all,
 All save my heart that throbbeth ever,
Tell me, Lord of the firmament,
 Why doth it tire never?

Thought is lulled to rest on the lap of slumber,
 Day and night alternate watch are keeping,
But the heart, true guardian of love eternal,
 Throbs on for ever unsleeping.

III
The brightness of the sun at noon,
 That is my love to thee,
And night, fair shadow of the day,
 Thy silent love for me.