The Astronomer

Once again my heart is gay;
May is here and bloom of May:
See the buds unclosing
On the branches everywhere!
And the nightingale is there,
In their midst reposing.
Pretty prattler of the tree,
Honoured be thy dwelling!
Blest, too, may my lady be!
Like the birds, she brings to me
Happiness excelling.

Fair she is, as one divine.
Pray that I may call her mine,
Ye who fain would aid me!
Then upon this earth below
Joys of Paradise I'll know.
Glad at heart she has made me.
With rare colours deftly spread
Her fair form is painted,
Mingled white and brown and red;
With no evil thought or deed
Is her heart acquainted.

She who makes me young and old
In her power two stars doth hold.
Mark this proclamation!
In them I can see full well
What shall come to pass, and tell
Their interpretation.
In their influence if I fall,—
Note the marvel of it!—
That shall hap which happen shall:
Just so far, and that is all,
I'm a trusty prophet!