Page:Masterpieces of German literature volume 18.djvu/364

 302 By night, though, the greatest canal along

Where flickering night-lights play

Rise sounds like whisp'ring and amorous song

Of shades that deserted stray.

Frolicking swarms of masks whirl round

Upon the piazza near by,

And clashing swords on the Riva resound;

The masts are dark'ning the sky.

It seems as if from the night and deep

Had risen the Venice of old.

The sea-wind wakes and the wave from sleep,

Her corpse to rock and to hold.

The sea is rising, with passionate arms

There by the canal-bed to cling.

As if the young spouse with his kisses and charms

To beauty new life should bring.