Meseems that, spun of the air, a thread of magic Binds her yet to me, an unrestful bond; It draws, it draws me faint with love toward her. Might it yet be some day that on my threshold I should find her, as erst, in the morning twilight, Her traveler's bundle beside her, And her eye true-heartedly looking up to me, Saying, "See, I've come back, Back once more from the lonely world!" * * * * * A SONG FOR TWO IN THE NIGHT[23] (1825) _She_. How soft the night wind strokes the meadow grasses And, breathing music, through the woodland passes! Now that the upstart day is dumb, One hears from the still earth a whispering throng Of forces animate, with murmured song Joining the zephyrs' well-attunèd hum. _He_. I catch the tone from wondrous voices brimming, Which sensuous on the warm wind drifts to me, While, streaked with misty light uncertainly, The very heavens in the glow are swimming. _She_. The air like woven fabric seems to wave, Then more transparent and more lustrous groweth; Meantime a muted melody outgoeth From happy fairies in their purple cave. To sphere-wrought harmony Sing they, and busily The thread upon their silver spindles floweth. _He_. Oh lovely night! how effortless and free O'er samite black-though green by day--thou movest! And to the whirring music that thou lovest Thy foot advances imperceptibly. Thus hour by hour thy step doth measure-- In trancèd self-forgetful pleasure Thou'rt rapt; creation's soul is rapt with thee! * * * * * [Illustration: EDUARD MÖRIKE WEISS] EARLY AWAY[24] (1828) The morning frost shines gray Along the misty field Beneath the pallid way Of early dawn revealed. Amid the glow one sees The day-star disappear; Yet o'er the western trees The moon is shining clear. So, too, I send my glance On distant scenes to dwell; I see in torturing trance The night of our farewell. Blue eyes, a lake of bliss, Swim dark before my sight, Thy breath, I feel, thy kiss; I hear thy whispering light. My cheek upon thy breast The streaming tears bedew, Till, purple-black, is cast A veil across my view. The sun comes out; he glows, And straight my dreams depart, While from the cliffs he throws A chill across my heart. * * * * * THE FORSAKEN MAIDEN[25] (1829) Early when cocks do crow Ere the stars dwindle, Down to the hearth I go, Fire must I kindle. Fair leap the flames on high, Sparks they whirl drunken; I watch them listlessly In sorrow sunken.