To The Chosen One
[This sweet song is doubtless one of those addressed to Frederica.]
HAND in hand!and lip to lip!
Oh,be faithful,maiden dear!
Fare thee well!thy lover’s ship
Past full many a rock must steers[144]
But should he the haven see,
When the storm has ceased to break,
And be happy,reft of thee,—
May the Gods fierce vengeance[145]take！
Boldly dared is well nigh won!
Half my task is solved aright[146]；
Ev’ry star’s to me a sun,
Only cowards deem it night.
Stood I idly by thy side,
Sorrow still would sadden me;
But when seas our paths divide,
Gladly toil I,—toil for thee!
Now the valley I perceive,
Where together we will go,
And the streamlet[147]watch each eve，
Gliding peacefully below
Oh，the poplars[148]on yon[149]spot！
Oh,the beech trees in yon grove!
And behind we’ll build a cot,
Where to taste the joys of love!
1771.