As a Dream doth Flatter

Now the little birds are singing
In the woods their carols gay.
Fair flowers in the meadow springing
Bloom to meet the light of May.
So my heart in bliss supreme
Blooms with thoughts her grace engendered;
Rich thereby my soul is rendered,
As a beggar by a dream.

One high hope I ever nourish
When I think how sweet she is,—
That my fortune yet may flourish,
That she yet will yield me bliss.
Happy in that hope am I.
Grant me, heaven, its consummation!
This entrancing expectation
May she ne'er to me deny!

Never could my love deceive me;
Free from every fault is she.
This dear prospect let her leave me,
While no happier I may be,—
That my bliss may long endure,
That I may not wake up weeping,
But may laugh, the solace keeping
Which her favour would ensure.

Longing and sweet contemplation
Make my pleasure's greatest gain.
I shall keep this consolation
While she lets me, with those twain,
Come to her and take my rest,
To my heart thus freely granting
Bliss and rapture so enchanting
She must be for ever blest.

Blessed May, thou and no other
Fillest all the world with glee.
Thou and all the world together
Bring no scrap of joy to me.
Say, what pleasure could ye give,
Were my lady dear denied me?
Let her comfort keep beside me,
For by that alone I live!