Song for a German Air

Fair stream of the mountain, brightly flowing
   Between thy fresh margins, gay with flowers,
Life's uncertain visions showing;
   Thus, like thy waters glide past the hours.
        Oft on thy sunny banks I lie
        And mark the waves that glitter by
With fleeting joy and brightness glowing.

Fair stream! when no more near thee reclining,
   I gaze and lament for moments gone—
Cold and silent, past repining—
   Still thy clear way thou wilt murmur on:
         Still will thy roses bloom anew,
         Though I no more their beauty view,
And yonder sun as bright be shining!