Chapter 4 Canto

Canto go!So dark is the wilderness under the moon, Flowing clouds have swallowed the last twilight of the evening: go!The night wind will quickly gather the night mist, The silver light of heaven will be darkened by midnight. Don't stay!Time is passing!Everything is shouting: go!Don't make lovers miserable with parting tears; Her cold and dull eyes dare not beg you to fall in love, Duty and indolence bring you back to solitude. go Go!To your lonely homeland, To shed bitter tears on your dreary fireside, You can watch shadows wander like ghosts, Weave depression and joy in your heart.

Over your head will be the fallen leaves of the trees in autumn, Spring flowers and dew will shimmer at your feet: Either your heart, or the world, must grow cold and die, Then midnight and morning light, you and tranquility meet. Midnight's gloom has its rest in its turn: Or weary of the wind, or a bright moon in the middle of the sky, The furious and restless sea will always stop for a moment; Whoever exercises, labors, or mourns, there will be a time of rest. And you will rest in your grave - but at this moment, While phantasms still fascinate thee with the house, the garden, and the wilderness,

O, how can thy memory, regret, and brooding escape The brilliance of that charming smile, the music of the two talking? April 1814 Translated by Cha Liangzheng