But soon cold Death will kiss them white,
And quench the light of Paradise
That shines from out those earnest eyes.

6[10]

Lean close thy cheek against my cheek,
That our tears together may blend, love,
And press thy heart upon my heart,
That from both one flame may ascend, love!

[Illustration: SPRING'S AWAKENING _From the Painting by Ludwig von
Hofmann._]

And while in that flame so doubly bright
Our tears are falling and burning,
And while in my arms I clasp thee tight
I will die with love and yearning.

7[11]

I'll breathe my soul and its secret
In the lily's chalice white;
The lily shall thrill and reëcho
A song of my heart's delight.

The song shall quiver and tremble,
Even as did the kiss
That her rosy lips once gave me
In a moment of wondrous bliss.