 | Poems and Translations |  |
46
FAIREST.
What the earth has of most fair,
Tell me!
—'Tis the Rose,
When her young buds first unclose
In the dew-sweet air.
Nay! not so:
For I know
One more fair than fairest Rose.
Tell me!
—'Tis the Rose,
When her young buds first unclose
In the dew-sweet air.
Nay! not so:
For I know
One more fair than fairest Rose.
What most pure as well as fair?
Tell me!
—'Tis the Sleet,
Treading swiftly with fine feet
The light floor of air.
Nay! not so:
For I know
One as pure as driven sleet.
Tell me!
—'Tis the Sleet,
Treading swiftly with fine feet
The light floor of air.
Nay! not so:
For I know
One as pure as driven sleet.
What has life of joy most rare?
Tell me!
—It must be
Love as glad as mine for Thee,
Lady pure and fair!
Nay! not so:
For I know
Greater joy, thy love for me.
Tell me!
47
Love as glad as mine for Thee,
Lady pure and fair!
Nay! not so:
For I know
Greater joy, thy love for me.
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