I think of you, you joyous, happy times
When life glowed in its morning hours.
Oh phantasy, turn back with merry chimes
And touch my soul with springtime flowers!
Turn backward thou, oh golden morning,
When I was borne into this life,
And, unknown to me all earthly mourning,
My happy heart beat free from strife.
Encircle me, you early, guileless years,
You Paradise, to me long lost,
Ere sweetest hopes gave way to fears
And flowers were on sunbeams tossed.
'Tis sad, indeed, my longings are in vain,
These early joys have passed for aye;
Fast fade life's flowers, nor bloom again,
And slowly, too, we fade away.
Still I rise with faith in the bright glowing
Which heralds morn in eastern sky;
This faith, born of the certain knowing
Which truth reflects, can never die.
There is for all a heavy dream in store,
And after that a joyous waking up;
How yearn I for the dawning, more and more,
When joy shall fill the much reputed cup!
Oh happy times, when flowers, once crushed below
By time and tide, will bloom anew!
Oh happy land, where hearts, with fire aglow,
Will rise to bid all earthly cares adieu!
