An Old Song

The wild duck fly over From river to river And so the young lover Goes roving for ever.

They fly together, He walks alone : No maiden can tether Him with her moan.

At the bursting of blossom On her breast his head ; He has left her bosom Ere the apples are red.

Across the valley, Singing he goes. In highway and alley He seeks a new rose.

Tell me, O maidens, You who all day In lyrical cadence Dance and play,

Why do you proffer Your sweets to one, Who takes all you offer And leaves you to moan ?