In the wayside under the tree sits the beggar。 Alas; he looks at my face with a timid hope!
He thinks I am rich with the day’s profit。
Yes; brother; I have still something left。 My fate has not cheated me of everything。
The night grows dark and the road lonely。 Fireflies gleam among the leaves。
Who are you that follow me with stealthy silent steps?
Ah; I know; it is your desire to rob me of all my gains。 I will not disappoint you!
For I still have something left; and my fate has not cheated me of everything。
At midnight I reach home。 My hands are empty。
You are waiting with anxious eyes at my door; sleepless and silent。
Like a timorous bird you fly to my breast with eager love。
Ay; ay; my God; much remains still。 My fate has not cheated me of everything。
No passage was left anywhere through which could enter the song of birds; the murmur of leaves or hum of the busy village。
The only sound that echoed in its dark dome was that of incantations which I chanted。
My mind became keen and still like a pointed flame; my senses swooned in ecstasy。
I knew not how time passed till the thunderstone had struck the temple; and a pain stung me through the heart。
The lamp looked pale and ashamed; the carvings on the walls; like chained dreams; stared meaningless in the light as they would fain hide themselves。
I looked at the image on the altar。 I saw it smiling and alive with the living touch of God。
The night I had imprisoned had spread its wings and vanished。
The Gardener 73
Infinite wealth is not yours; my patient and dusky mother dust!
You toil to fill the mouths of your children; but food is scarce。
The gift of gladness that you have for us is never perfect。
The toys that you make for your children are fragile。
You cannot satisfy all our hungry hopes; but should I desert you for that?
Your smile which is shadowed with pain is sweet to my eyes。 txt小说上传分享
园丁集 第十二章(5)
Your love which knows not fulfilment is dear to my heart。
From your breast you have fed us with life but not immortality; that is why your eyes are ever wakeful。
For ages you are working with colour and song; yet your heaven is not built; but only its sad suggestion。
Over your creations of beauty there is the mist of tears。
I will pour my songs into your mute heart; and my love into your love。
I will worship you with labour。
I have seen your tender face and I love your mournful dust; Mother Earth。
The Gardener 74
In the world’s audience hall; the simple blade of grass sits on the same carpet with the sunbeam and the stars of midnight。
Thus my songs share their seats in the heart of the world with the music of the clouds and forests。
But; you man of riches; your wealth has no part in the simple grandeur of the sun’s glad gold and t