Lovely Is the Night

Now I leave her modest dwelling,

My beloved’s quiet abode,

And with secret step I’m stealing

Through the desolate dark wood.

Luna breaks through oaks and bushes,

Zephyr intimates she’s near;

And the pungent bowing birches

Strew for her sweet incense here.

How I joy in this soft coolness

Of the lovely summer night!

Oh, how silent is this stillness

Of the inner soul’s delight!

Scarcely may we grasp the pleasure,

Yet, O heaven, I would part

With a thousand such nights’ treasure

For just one with my sweetheart.

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