Do I in Vain

Do I in vain must henceforth wait for thee,
Sweet child, for whom my mournful tear

I freely wept? Wilt thou no more appear?

As heretofore thou used to come to me

At midnight, bringing- me a moment's cheer?
The night comes, midnight comes, but what care I?
Thou cometh not with it, I see no more
Thy gentle spirit entering my door,

I cover up my weary, tearfilled eye

With clipped wings of my hopes of days of yore.

Where art thou? Why dost thou remain away
Sweet beauteous maid whose loss I e'er bewail?
Art 'fraid of me, because my face is pale?

Fear not my face, I pined for thee alway,
This caused its ghastly color to prevail.

Oh! come again, once more rise from thy grave
Who — though a shade — still art fairer than fair —

To see thee once again, oh, how I crave!

Shouldst tell me for my grief thou dost not care,
Ah! dear one. to beseech I'll no more dare.