Classic Poem

I

A H , once it was a stately tree
Whose summit caught the morning star —
And now it is sole friend to me,
My sad guitar.

II

When fluttered by the south wind's breath
Gay music lived in every leaf —
Now to my heart it murmureth
Low songs of grief.

III

In circles swift the swallows sped
Its whispering boughs around, above —
The swallows with the summer fled,
Life fled with love.

IV

Ghost-music of the glorious tree
That reigned upon the hills afar —
Sweet are thy mournful songs to me,
My own guitar.