Pagina 59 di 83

On the slope of the desolate river among tall grasses I asked

her, "Maiden, where do you go shading your lamp with your mantle?

My house is all dark and lonesome-lend me your light!" she raised

her dark eyes for a moment and looked at my face through the

dusk. "I have come to the river," she said, "to float my lamp on

the stream when the daylight wanes in the west." I stood alone

among tall grasses and watched the timid flame of her lamp

uselessly drifting in the tide.

In the silence of gathering night I asked her, "Maiden, your

lights are all lit-then where do you go with your lamp? My house

is all dark and lonesome-lend me your light." She raised her dark

eyes on my face and stood for a moment doubtful. "I have come,"

she said at last, "to dedicate my lamp to the sky." I stood and

watched her light uselessly burning in the void.