The apple-tree, whose thoughts ne'er fly Over the lofty mountains, Leaves when the summer days draw nigh, Patiently waits for the time when high The birds in its bough shall be swinging, Yet will know not what they are singing. He who has yearned so long to go Over the lofty mountains-- He whose visions and fond hopes grow Dim, with the years that so restless flow-- Knows what the birds are singing, Glad in the tree-tops swinging. Why, O bird, dost thou hither fare Over the lofty mountains? Surely it must be better there, Broader the view and freer the air; Com'st thou these longings to bring me-- These only, and nothing to wing me? Oh, shall I never, never go Over the lofty mountains? Must all my thoughts and wishes so Held in these walls of ice and snow Here be imprisoned forever? Till death shall escape be never? Hence! I will hence! Oh, so far from here, Over the lofty mountains! Here 'tis so dull, so unspeakably drear; Young is my heart and free from fear-- Better the walls to be scaling Than here in my prison lie wailing. One day, I know, shall my free soul roam Over the lofty mountains. O my God, fair is thy home, Ajar is the door for all who come; Guard it for me yet longer, Till my soul through striving grows stronger. THE CLOISTER IN THE SOUTH From 'Arnljot Gelline' "Who would enter so late the cloister in?" "A maid forlorn from the land of snow." "What sorrow is thine, and what thy sin?" "The deepest sorrow the heart can know. I have nothing done, Yet must still endeavor, Though my strength is none, To wander ever. Let me in, to seek for my pain surcease;-- I can find no peace." "From what far-off land hast thou taken flight?" "From the land of the North, a weary way." "What stayed thy feet at our gate this night?" "The chant of the nuns, for I heard them pray, And the song gave peace To my soul, and blessed me; It offered release From the grief that oppressed me. Let me in, so if peace to give be thine, I may make it mine." "Name me the grief that thy life hath crossed." "Rest may I never, never know." "Thy father, thy lover, thou hast then lost?" "I lost them both at a single blow, And all I held dear In my deepest affection, Ay, all that was near To my heart's recollection. Let me in, I am failing, I beg, I implore, I can bear no more."