We Were in the Garden

We were in the garden, you and I,
We sat close together. God on High
Knows what happened 'round us, I do not,
Was it spring or autumn? I forgot.
One thing I remember very well:
Close to yon I sat, bound by a spell.

I looked into your dark, beauteous eye,
And your snowhite hands squeezed, shy and sly.
Looking at each other with intent,
I asked, whether you would be content
If, as we were sitting, all alone,
God Almighty turned us into stone?

"I would be!" You answered, in a breath.
Did you, when you said that, long for death?
Or, sweet maid, the answer my ear caught,
Was it caused by that sweet, blissful thought:
We two petrified, would, — happy share! —
Close together sit for e'er and e'er?