...and after a many summer dies the swan It withers slowly in thine arms All night long amorous anthems sung It's tears on your cheek, history of the fan
Sweet is the breath of night with charm of earliest birds Close over us, the silver star, thy guide Dying embers, our only light (scorching away mortality Till the moon rising in clouded majesty)
But see the many-coloured prime retired to rest Thy long tongued blood demands supplies Honour and beauty are but dreams Big alike with wound and dart
Like fiery dews that melt the swan's soul into the boughs does glide Flaming swords forbidden They banish me from you Remembrance of a bitter loss
Ruined love, when it's built anew grows fairer, more strong, far greater While glory crowns so many hatreds crest Waking, thou wert in thy nakedness ...and after a many summer dies the swan