Love is a swallow

I.

I saw her shadow on the grass

That day we walked together.

Across the field where the pond was

I saw her shadow on the grass.

And now I sigh and say, Alas!

That e'er in summer weather

I saw her shadow on the grass

That day we walked together!

II.

Hope bowed his head in sleep:

Ah me and wellaway!

Although I cannot weep,

Hope bowed his head in sleep.

The heavy hours creep:

When is the break of day?

Hope bowed his head in sleep,

Ah me and wellaway!

III.

The sea on the beach

Flung the foam of its ire.

We watched without speech

The sea on the beach,

And we clung each to each

As the tempest shrilled higher

And the sea on the beach

Flung the foam of its ire.

IV.

When Love is once dead

Who shall awake him?

Bitter our bread

When Love is once dead

His comforts are fled,

His favours forsake him.

When Love is once dead

Who shall awake him?

V.

Love is a swallow

Flitting with spring:

Though we would follow,

Love is a swallow,

All his vows hollow:

Than let us sing,

Love is a swallow

Flitting with spring.