Before the dawn the very thought of you, That wakes me, as the morning wakes the night, Floods all my heart with most exultant joy. The thought of you that rises with the stars, When evening wheels all glittering through the dark, Floods all my heart with most exultant joy. O life and joy and breath and death of me, With every breath I draw you in like air! O I shall die of you, of you, of you! Though now you banish me forevermore, Never to look upon your face again— Think you that I shall sorrow for my love? Though I shall lie upon my bed of death And know you have forgotten me forever— Think you that I shall sorrow for my love? O life and joy and breath and death of me, I shall cry out exultant—and lie dead! O I shall die of you, of you, of you! O love, I love you better than you know! I love you as the water loves the sea. I love you as the twilight loves the dark. The trumpets of the morning, to my heart From shining towers blow the thought of you; The waves of evening flood my heart with you. O life and joy and breath and death of me, With every breath I draw you in like air! |