Golden stars across the heavens

Golden stars across the heavens

With their small feet softly creep,

Fearing lest they should awaken

Mother Earth, who lies asleep.

Listening stand the silent forests,

Every leaf a little ear,

And, as in a dream, the mountain

Shadow-arms outstretches near.

But who called? -- I heard an echo;

Through my listening heart it fell.

Could it be her voice -- or was it

Nothing but the nightingale?