Now the dusk softens

Waldemar:

Now the dusk softens

ev'ry sound from sea and land,

the sailing clouds cozily settling down

at heaven's end.

Soundless peace closed down

the forest's airy gates,

and the sea's clear waves

rocked themselves to rest.

In the west the sun casts off

her crimsom dress

and dreams in her bed of waves

of next day's splendour.

Now not the tiniest leaf stirs

in the forest's magnificent house;

now not the merest sound is ringing:

be at rest, mind, be at rest!

And ev'ry power is ensconced

in its own dream's arms,

and it drives me back to myself,

peacefully quiet, without a care.