Translations from Camoens; and Other Poets, with Original Poetry/Morning Song
GESNER.
MORNING SONG.
Willkommen, fruhe morgensonn.
HAIL! morning sun, thus early bright;
Welcome, sweet dawn! thou younger day!
Through the dark woods that fringe the height
Beams forth, e'en now, thy ray.
Bright on the dew, it sparkles clear,
Bright on the water's glittering fall,
And life, and joy, and health appear,
Sweet morning! at thy call.
Now thy fresh breezes lightly spring
From beds of fragrance, where they lay,
And roving wild on dewy wing,
Drive slumber far away.
Fantastic dreams, in swift retreat,
Now from each mind withdraw their spell,
While the young loves delighted meet,
On Rosa's cheek to dwell.
Speed, zephyr! kiss each opening flower,
Its fragrant spirit make thine own;
Then wing thy way to Rosa's bower,
Ere her light sleep is flown.
There, o'er her downy pillow, fly,
Wake the sweet maid to life and day;
Breathe on her balmy lip a sigh,
And o'er her bosom play;
And whisper, when her eyes unveil,
That I, since morning's earliest call,
Have sighed her name to every gale,
By the lone waterfall.