Like the sun's uprising light
Shines that maid, before whom fade
Other charms, however bright;
As the stars at break of day,
Late so brilliant fade away.
When my spirit light had flown
Wanton forth in pleasure's quest,
Then those beaming eyes have shone
O'er the rover's path, and led
Home to her from whom it sped.
When again its wing it took
Falcon-like for joy to soar,
Ne'er the gentle spell it broke;
Soon again it sought its home
In that breast it wander'd from.
O'er it fear was ever coming
Lest its mistress, at the thought
That for other loves 'twas roaming,
Vengeful all its joys might blight;
Therefore back it wing'd its flight.
Burkhart of Hohenfels (1200 - 1250) Germany
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Source: The Poets And Poetry Of Europe by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1887
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