E’en then my bosom would the thought oppress,
“Deserter from the post by God assigned,
Wilt thou again on earth a love so faithful find?”
’Twas but a transitory thought; my soul
Exulted in an earthly paradise;
Impetuous hope had reached its wished-for goal,
And I could bear to see the tear-drops rise
Within those dear and venerable eyes,
Could joyous from my childhood’s home depart;
For him I loved too great no sacrifice,