Why leaps my heart as 'twould rejoice?
Why lists it as to some dear voice?
I sit alone; no whisper nigh:
Why leaps this restless heart so high? —

Why burns my cheek, of late so fair,
As Love had cast its rose-leaves there?
There is but one whose step could throw
O'er this thin cheek so bright a glow!

There is but one, and he 's afar; —
Afloat beneath a northern star:
There is but one, whose step if nigh
Could make my fond heart leap so high! —

And hark ... a step indeed is heard —
A hasty step — a hurried word: —
She knows the music of that sound,
The very room with joy swims round.

Oh, is there bloom on earth so sweet
As spreads the cheek when lovers meet?
When heart to heart they clasped remain
Who never hoped to meet again?