Mignon

Knowest thou the land where bloom the lemon trees,
And darkly gleam the golden oranges ?
A gentle wind blows down from that blue sky ;
Calm stands the myrtle and the laurel high.

Knowest thou the land ? So far and fair !
Thou, whom I love, and I will wander there.

Knowest thou the house with all its rooms aglow,
And shining hall and columned portico ?
The marble statues stand and look at me.
Alas, poor child, what have they done to thee ?

Knowest thou the land ? So far and fair.
My Guardian, thou and I will wander there.

Knowest thou the mountain with its bridge of cloud ?
The mule plods warily : the white mists crowd.
Coiled in their caves the brood of dragons sleep ;
The torrent hurls the rock from steep to steep.

Knowest thou the land ? So far and fair.
Father, away ! Our road is over there !