O restless heart, be still!
'Tis thine by peaceful founts to rove;
Why comes the cruel archer Love
To shoot with reckless will?
Peace! restless heart, be still!

Calm, restless heart, so calm,
Thou ling'redst dreamily to wait
Where sang the ringdove to his mate,
A quiet, holy psalm.
Calm, restless heart, so calm!

Now, restless heart, 'tis done!
No longer under starry skies
Thou'lt stray with yearning in thine eyes;
And yet, poor fluttered one,
Is comfort 'neath the sun?

Nay! nay! but sure 'twere best
That Love should fold thee 'neath his wing,
And to thy soul sweet snatches sing;
Yet it must be confessed
It is not surely rest!