Ernst Freiherr von Feuchtersleben (1806–1849)

IT has been willed in God’s decree:

What you have loved most tenderly,

You part with,

Though there is nothing on the earth

That leaves the heart such sorry dearth

As parting, aye, parting.

A rosebud in a water glass,

A lovely gift, you watch—alas,

Remember:

The rose that blooms to-morrow bright,

Must wither sadly in the night,

Remember, remember!

When God has given you a love,

You hold her dear, all else above,

In keeping:

Not many years will then be flown,

Before she leaves you all alone,

With weeping, with weeping.