If he one day come again,
What shall then be said?
– Say that one awaited him,
Always, that is dead.
Ay, but if he ask me more,
Yet know me not again?
– Speak as any sister might,
Lest he be in pain.
If he ask where you are gone,
What shall I reply?
– Give him then my golden ring,
Make him no reply.
If he ask me why the hall
Shows a silent floor?
– Show him then the smouldered lamp
And the open door.
If he ask me of the hour
When you fell asleep?
–Tell him, tell him that I smiled
Lest my love should weep.
What shall then be said?
– Say that one awaited him,
Always, that is dead.
Ay, but if he ask me more,
Yet know me not again?
– Speak as any sister might,
Lest he be in pain.
If he ask where you are gone,
What shall I reply?
– Give him then my golden ring,
Make him no reply.
If he ask me why the hall
Shows a silent floor?
– Show him then the smouldered lamp
And the open door.
If he ask me of the hour
When you fell asleep?
–Tell him, tell him that I smiled
Lest my love should weep.
