The Voyage

As at times a moonbeam pierces

Through the thickest cloudy rack,

So to me, through days so dreary,

One bright image struggles back.

Seated all on deck, we floated

Down the Rhine's majestic stream;

On its borders, summer-laden,

Slept the peaceful evening-gleam.

Brooding, at the feet I laid me

Of a fair and gentle one,

On whose placid, pallid features

Played the ruddy-golden sun.

Lutes were ringing, youth« were singing,

Swelled my heart with feeling strange;

Bluer grew the heaven above us,

Wider grew the spirit's range.

Fairy-like beside us flitted

Rock and ruin, wood and plain ;

And I gazed on all reflected

In my loved one's eyes again.