Ariadne to Theseus.
1
Sunlight to the river,
Moonlight to the sea,
As false and as fleeting
Thou hast been to me.
2
And I've been like the lily
That to the summer clings,
Or like the nightingale
That to the sweet rose sings:
3
That wooing never ceases
For her indifference,
And never his beloved flower
Reproaching will incense.
4
But thou more cruel than the rose
Hast left me faithlessly,
To mourn for ever and alone
Over thy perfidy.
5
Soft breezes! waft him not
Across the wide wide sea;
Ingulph, just waves of Ocean!
The wretch who flies from me.
6
Ah no! 'tis vain! Affection
For my false love still remains:
Blow, breezes! Peace, ye waters!
Revenge not ye my pains!
7
May happiness attend thee,
Who hast ta'en from me all joy!
Be thine unmixèd pleasure;
Be mine the sad alloy!
