I.

Life, what art thou? Springing water art thou: [Illustration: leaf] When the waters flash and spring, life, start thou!

When the spirit burns within the chapels The stones are quick with faith. When the branch hangs out its reddened apples The tree is strong with breath; When love’s womb conceives the stirring blossom The heart is full of power; When youth leaps in the darkness of the bosom The body is in flower. When the fiery spirit deserts the chapels, Bury religion’s corse; When the branch no more puts forth its apples, Fell the tree at the source; When love feeds itself and not its blossom The heart’s core withereth; When youth makes no movement in the bosom The body is signed to death.

Life, what art thou? A golden fountain art thou: When the fountain springs not, life, depart thou!