In Absence

Wide-stretching plains, and mountain-peaks far-seen,
Sky, air, and winds — and little ripply waves
Of springs, and winding banks the slow stream laves,
Tall forests dark, and low-cut coppice green,

Groves, vine-clad hills, and blosmy vales between,
Buds, flowers, dew-laden grass, deep mossy caves —
All you that heard my songs' low sweet sad staves —
Waters of Loir, woods of my loved Gastine,

Since grief of parting wrung me with such pains
I could not say " Farewell" to her, alas!
Whose I am, near or far, where'er I dwell,

I beg of you, sky, air, winds, mountains, plains,
Woods, coppice, river-banks, caves, springs, flowers, grass,
Hills, valleys, groves, say for me, "Fare thee well."