Seite 19 von 83

I ask for a moment's indulgence to sit by thy side. The works

that I have in hand I will finish afterwards.

Away from the sight of thy face my heart knows no rest nor

respite, and my work becomes an endless toil in a shoreless sea

of toil.

Today the summer has come at my window with its sighs and

murmurs; and the bees are plying their minstrelsy at the court of

the flowering grove.

Now it is time to sit quite, face to face with thee, and to sing

dedication of life in this silent and overflowing leisure.

6.

Pluck this little flower and take it, delay not! I fear lest it

droop and drop into the dust.

I may not find a place in thy garland, but honour it with a touch

of pain from thy hand and pluck it. I fear lest the day end

before I am aware, and the time of offering go by.

Though its colour be not deep and its smell be faint, use this

flower in thy service and pluck it while there is time.

7.