Andrew Macphail, comp. The Book of Sorrow. 1916.
O Dearest, canst thou tell me whyHeinrich Heine (17971856)
Translated by Richard Garnett
O D
The rose should be so pale?
And why the azure violet
Should wither in the vale?
So sorrowfully sing?
And why from loveliest balsam-buds
A scent of death should spring?
So chillingly should frown?
And why the earth should, like a grave,
Be mouldering and brown?
So languishing should be?
And why it is, my heart of hearts,
That thou forsakest me?