Songs of Expectation

He came and sat by my side
but I woke not.
What a cursed sleep it was, 
O miserable me!

He came when the night was still; 
he had his harp in his hands,
and my dreams became resonant with its melodies.

Alas, why are my nights all thus lost? 
Ah, why do I ever miss his sight 
whose breath touches my sleep?

Art thou abroad on this stormy night 
on thy journey of love, my friend?
The sky groans like one in despair.
I have no sleep tonight. 
Ever and again I open my door
and look out on the darkness, my friend!
I can see nothing before me. 
I wonder where lies thy path!
By what dim shore of the ink-black river,
by what far edge of the frowning forest,
through what mazy depth of gloom art thou threading 
thy course to come to me, my friend?

The day is no more, 
the shadow is upon the earth. 
It is time that I go to the stream 
to fill my pitcher.

The evening air is eager 
with the sad music of the water. 
Ah, it calls me out into the dusk. 
In the lonely lane there is no passer-by, 
the wind is up, 
the ripples are rampant in the river.

I know not if I shall come back home. 
I know not whom I shall chance to meet. 
There at the fording in the little boat 
the unknown man plays upon his lute.

In the deep shadows of the rainy July, 
with secret steps, thou walkest, 
silent as night, eluding all watchers.

Today the morning has closed its eyes, 
heedless of the insistent calls of the loud east wind, 
and a thick veil has been drawn 
over the ever-wakeful blue sky.

The woodlands have hushed their songs, 
and doors are all shut at every house. 
Thou art the solitary wayfarer in this deserted street. 

Oh my only friend, my best beloved, 
the gates are open in my house - 
do not pass by like a dream.

This is my delight, thus to wait 
and watch at the wayside
where shadow chases light 
and the rain comes 
in the wake of the summer.

Messengers, with tidings from unknown skies, 
greet me and speed along the road. 
My heart is glad within, 
and the breath of the passing breeze is sweet.

From dawn till dusk 
I sit here before my door, 
and I know that of a sudden 
the happy moment will arrive when I shall see.

In the meanwhile I smile 
and I sing all alone. 
In the meanwhile the air is filling 
with the perfume of promise.