Sing, Maiden, Sing

Sing, Maiden sing!

Mouths were made for singing;

Listen, -- Songs thou'lt hear

Through the wide world ringing;

Songs from all the birds,

Songs from winds and showers,

Songs from seas and streams,

Even from sweet flowers.

Hear'st thou the rain,

How it gently falleth?

Hearest thou the bird,

Who from forest calleth?

Hearest thou the bee

O'er the sunflower ringing?

Tell us, Maiden,

now

Should'st thou not be singing?

Hear'st thou the breeze

Round the rose-bud sighing?

And the small sweet rose

Love to love replying?

So should'st

thou

reply,

To the prayer we're bringing:

So that bud, thy mouth,

Should burst forth in singing!