Under the lindens

Do you remember this lane,

sending its shadow far ahead,

where the half-veiled moon

was our only witness;

where, conquered by your grace,

I knelt at your feet

and asked you in a whisper

whether you loved me?

Your white hands clasped mine.

All my torments were over.

I felt our hearts unite

as by invisible chains.

I will never forget the charm

of that hour, when,

wiping a tear away,

you told me that you loved me.

You added that it was for life!

After comforting me for so long,

this hope has been riven from me.

Your oath has been blotted out.

Under the lindens, when the wind cries,

I come and sit where you sat

and I dream again of the time

when you loved me.