The Minstrel and Lute. FROM THE GERMAN OF KÖRNER. On a rock there sat a minstrel, His lute was laid beside him, The air was mild and clear, And from memory's far gray distance Came many an image dear. And then a gentle slumber And with the dreams' bright circle And old and happy hours Came back upon him new, As though he had found his loved one, As though the loved were true! But then a sudden terror Swept o'er him like a storm : 'Mid the waves he saw with horror His loved one's sinking form. And now in dreams of beauty He hears the winds' shrill whistle 'Twas carried away by the whirlwind, 'Tis as though he heard her calling, As though the chords resound, And he dives amid the billows :The salt waves heave around. Far off he sees it gleaming, And holds it aloft: then vanish Both minstrel and lute in the sea. The Cloud. DARK cloud, that 'mid the evening sky, None loveth thee, thou lonely cloud, And as thou drawest near, E'en the young flowers their heads have bowed, And closed their leaves in fear. Yet dost thou shed thy precious dews Upon earth's thankless clay, And, melting into rainbow hues, Dost pour thyself away. Alas! thou dark, unwelcome cloud, Who dwell, as in a misty shroud, I |