Die Taube
To-day when I beheld you all alone
And might have stayed to speak, the watchful love
Leapt up within my heart -- then quick to prove
New strength, the fruit of sorrow you have sown
Sank in my stormy bosom like a stone
Nor dared to rise on flaming plumes above
Passionless winds, till you, O shining dove
Far from the range of wounding words had flown.
Far have you flown, and blows of battle cease
To drape the skies in tapestries of blood,
Now sinks within my heart the heaving flood
And Love's long-fluttering pinions I release,
Bidding them not return till blooms the bud
On olive branch, borne by the bird of peace.