Maiden
River, why in ceaseless flow
Must you ripple to and fro?
Stop a while.
Lonely on thy bank I stand,
On your shining, pebbly strand,
Canst thou not a moment stay
Through the long, long summer day?
Stop a while.
River
Child of earth dost thou not know
Ne’er can cease my endless flow?
I must go.
Onward till I reach my outlet,
Out beyond the golden sunset,
Seek not then to stay my flowing,
Onward still I must be going
To my goal.
Maiden
River, when the storms are raging,
Wind and rain a warfare waging,
Do you fear?
When thy waves with whitened crest,
Toss around in wild unrest,
Doth thy bosom shake with fear,
Trembling, lest thy end is near?
Say, O! say.
River
Child, my race will ne’er be run
Not till yonder blazing sun
Fades away.
Look t’wards the horizon’s crest,
See the mighty Ocean’s breast,
Now its billowy waves are still,
He who says it is My will,
Keepeth me.
Maiden
River, should’st thou chance to see,
On thy journey through the lea,
Snow white sail?
Reaching out towards the clouds,
Quivering with its massive shrouds,
Touch it gently with thy arms,
Shield it safe from rude alarms,
It is mine.
River
Child of earth hast thou not heard?
That He knows of beast and bird
Every hair,
Can He not then bring to thee
Safe from o’er the murmuring sea.
Mortal child O! ne’er despair,
“Ship ahoy!” may greet thy ear,
Soon, ay soon.
Maiden
River, then glide sweetly on,
Till thy goal is safely won,
Till at last
Thou dost hear like thunder roar,
Breaking from the golden shore,
Awful words from sacred lore,
Time for thee shall be no more.
River, farewell.