As the billows fling shells on the shore,
As the sun poureth light on the sea,
As the lark on the wing scatters songs to the spring,
So rushes my love to thee.

As the ivy clings close to the tower,
As the dew lieth deep in a flower,
As the shadows to light, as the day unto night,
So clings my wild soul to thee!

As the moon glitters coldly alone,
Above earth on her cloud-woven throne,
As the rocky-bound cave repulses a wave,
So thy anger repulseth me.

As the bitter black frost of a night
Stays the roses with pitiless might,
As the sharp dagger-thrust hurls a king to the dust,
So thy cruelty murdereth me.

Yet in spite of thy queenly disdain,
Thou art seared by my passion and pain;
Thou shalt hear me repeat, till I die for it sweet
"I love thee! I dare to love thee!"