In that narrow lane...

IN THAT NARROW LANE…

In that narrow lane as always Shines the moon on windows clear, Only thou behind the lattice Never dost again appear!

And the same old tree now stretches O’er the hedge its blooming bough, Only those old days so happy As they were cannot be now.

Changèd is thy soul now wholly, Changèd are thy looks to-day, Only I, the same remaining, Wander on the wonted way.

Graceful, slender, gently treading, Thou didst come, so sweet and soft, To that secret grove, where longing I did wait for thee so oft.

With thee near my heart, not knowing What on earth around us stirred, O how much we were then telling, Without uttering a word!

Kisses were the only answer To all questions, and the best; Nothing else on earth desiring, With life’s utmost charm then blest.

I forgot, thus happy dreaming, That it is the same, forsooth, If one leans against a shadow Or believes in woman’s truth.

Winds blow in the trembling curtains, As they did in days of yore, Only there behind the windows Thy sweet face appears no more.