The captive

Tell me, Heart, what means this sorrow

That oppresseth thee so sore?

Changed art thou by all this trouble,

And I hardly know thee 'more!

All is gone that gave thee gladness,

All is gone that brought thee sadness.

Gone thy zeal and all thy peace-

Tell me now the cause of this!

Doth the charm of youth allure thee?

Lovely form and beauteous face?

Doth a smile, a glance so tender

Win thee by its wondrous grace?

To avoid her I endeavour,

And resolve the bond to sever;

In a moment yet I'm fain

To return to her again

With her magic spell around me

That to break I need the skill

Doth the heartless maiden bind me

Ever fast against my will;

Captive in her magic bower

Now she holds me in her power,

Ah!, how great the change in me!

Mighty Love, O set me free!