O SWALLOW, sailing lightly
The crystal deeps of blue,
With flashing wings that brightly
Glitter the sunshine through,
What sayest thou, returning
From sunny lands and fair,
That summer roses burning
Shall light the fragrant air?
That merry days thou bringest,
And gone is winter’s woe, —
Is this the song thou singest?
Gay prophet, is it so?
I know all beauties follow
Swift in thy shining track,
But to my heart, O swallow,
Canst thou bring summer back?
No shaft of sunshine glorious
Shall melt my winter snows,
No kiss of June victorious
Awake for me the rose!