For the Table Book.
SONG,
Imitated from the German of Hölty.
Wer wollte sich mit Grillen plagen, &c.
Who—who would think of sorrowing
In hours of youth and blooming spring,
When bright cerulean skies are o’er us,
And sun-lit paths before us—
Who—who would suffer shade to steal
Over the forehead’s vernal light,
Whilst young Hope in her heav’n-ward flight
Oft turns her face round to reveal
Her bright eye to the raptur’d sight—
Whilst Joy, with many smiles and becks,
Bids us pursue the road he takes.
——Still, as erst, the fountain plays,
The arbour’s green and cool,
And the fair queen of night doth gaze
On earth, as chastely beautiful
As when she op’d her wond’ring eyes
First—on the flowers of Paradise.
Still doth, as erst, the grape-juice brighten
The heart in fortune’s wayward hour—
And still do kindred hearts delight in
Affection’s kiss in evening-bower.
Still Philomela’s passionate strain
Bids long-fled feelings come again.
The world, to me, is wond’rous fair—
So fair, that should I cease to hold
Communion with its scenes so dear,
I’d think my days were nearly told.
R. W. D.