The Complete Short Works of Georg Ebers

PRELUDE.

     In the Art-Palace on green Isar's strand,
     Before one picture long I kept my seat,
     It held me spellbound by some magic band,
     Nor when my home I sought, could I forget.

     A year elapsed, came winter's frost and snow,
     'Twas rarely now we saw the bright sun shine,
     I plucked up courage and cried: "Be it so!"
     Then southward wandered with those I call mine.

     Like birds of passage built we there a nest
     On a palm-shaded shore, all steeped in light,
     Life was a holiday, enjoyed with zest
     And grateful hearts, the while it winged its flight.

     Oft on the sea's wide purplish-blue expanse,
     With ever new delight I fixed my eyes,
     Alma Tadema's picture, at each glance
     Recalled to mind, a thousand times would rise.

     Once a day dawned, glad as a bride's fair face,
     Perfume, and light, and joy it did enfold,
     Then-without search, flitted from out of space
     Words for the tale that my friend's picture told.