Prelude

Life, with here a smile, with there a tear,

relentless river,

Moves from day to day from year to year,

Nor lingers ever.

Love, upon its banks imploring stands

In anguish calling,

Stands with yearning eyes and outstretched hands

And soft tears falling.

Life, thy ways are long, thy end is dark,

And we, unknowing

Whence it was we came, or why we embark,

Or whither going,

Live and love awhile

And pray at last

To reap our sowing.