Love and I, one summer day, 
Took a walk together: 
Oh, how beautiful the way
Through the blooming heather! 
Far-off bells rang matin-chimes, 
Birds sang, silver-voicing; 
And our happy hearts beat time
To the earth's rejoicing.
Well-a-day! ah well-a-day! 
Then pale Grief had missed me, 
And Mirth and I kept company, 
Ere Cupid kissed me.

Love ran idly where he would, 
Child-like, all unheeding; 
I as carelessly pursued
The pathway he was leading, 
Till upon the shadowed side
Of a cool, swift river, 
Where the sunbeams smote the tide
Goldenly a-quiver: 
Well-a-day! Ah well-a-day! 
"Love," I cried, "come, rest thee."
Ah, but Heart and I were gay, 
Ere Cupid kissed me! 

Shadows of the summer-cloud
Fell on near and far land, 
Fragrantly the branches bowed
Every leafy garland; 
While, with shining head at rest, 
Next my heart reclining, 
Love's white arms, with soft caress, 
Round my neck were twining; 
Till -- ah, well! Ah, well-a-day! 
Love, who can resist thee? --
On the river-banks that day, 
Cupid kissed me.

Woe is me! In cheerless plight, 
By the cold sad river, 
Seek I Love, who, taken flight, 
Comes no more forever --
Love, from whom more pain than bliss
Every heart obtaineth; 
For the joy soon vanishes, 
While the pang remaineth.
Well-a-day! ah, well-a-day! 
Would, Love, I had missed thee! 
Peace and I are twain for aye, 
Since Cupid kissed me!