I.

Whiten, O whiten, ye clouds of fleece! Whiten like lilies floating above, Blown wild about like a flock of white geese! But never, O never; so cease! so cease! Never as white as the throat of my love!

Blue-black night on the mountain peaks, Blacker the locks of my maiden love! Silvery star 'mid the evening streaks Over the torrent that flashes and breaks, Brighter the eyes of my laughing love!