Songs, Merry and Sad

To ———

     Some time, far hence, when Autumn sheds
      Her frost upon your hair,
     And you together sit at dusk,
      May I come to you there?
     And lightly will our hearts turn back
      To this, then distant, day
     When, while the world was clad in flowers,
      You two were wed in May.

     When we shall sit about your board
      Three old friends met again,
     Joy will be with us, but not much
      Of jest and laughter then;
     For Autumn's large content and calm,
      Like heaven's own smile, will bless
     The harvest of your happy lives
      With store of happiness.

     May you, who, flankt about with flowers,
      Will plight your faith to-day,
     Hold, evermore enthroned, the love
      Which you have crowned in May;
     And Time will sleep upon his scythe,
      The swallow rest his wing,
     Seeing that you at autumntide
      Still clasp the hands of spring.