WHY SHOULD I REMEMBER IF YOU FORGET?

Why should I remember the days of long ago?

Days we spent together, beside the river's flow;

Why should I remember the dreams that haunt me yet?

Ah, why should I remember — if you forget!

Why should I remember the nights I sat and dreamed

As stars came out in Heaven — when they and I it seemed,

Alone kept watch and vigil — ah, I recall them yet!

But why should I remember — if you forget!

Why should I remember those days of Summer time

When Love immortal bound me, and sang his witching rhyme.

Why should I remember your vows as there we met?

Ah, why should I remember — if you forget!

Why should I remember the grave I fashioned wide

Within my heart and laid you, and all that with you died.

Why should I bewail you, and why should it be yet

That I must still remember — and you forget!

Why has my heart grown empty and why this empty throne

Where you who made life dear have left me now alone?

Why can I not a watch against your mem'ry set?

Ah, why should I remember — when you forget!