Sweet Maiden, bright Maiden,
    Passing on your way,
May I linger with you?
    Maiden, say!
"I have much to see,
    And far, far to go.
Let it be another day,
    Now it is No! "
One word of welcome
    Ere you depart!
I will be patient still;
    Silence, my heart!

Sweet Maiden, shy Maiden,
    Passing far away,
May I wander with you?
    Maiden, say!
"You are nought to me,
    And I nought to you!
What am I to answer now?
    What can I do?"
Wander alone then,
    I will depart; --
Yet she smiles upon me,
    Courage, my heart!

True Maiden, dear Maiden,
    Passing my door,
I will say a new word,
    Whispered before.
"You may whisper softly,
    Soft and still,
Yes, I will hear you out,
    Say whate'er you will!"
Hear me and heed me,
    Ere you depart;
Yes, her lips are smiling;--
    Speak, my heart!