THE DUSKY SWALLOWS WILL RETURN

by: Gustavo Adolfo Becquer (1836-1870)

he dusky swallows will return

To hang their nests beneath thy eaves,

And playing to their nestlings call

As once they called of old.




But those who checked their flight

To gaze upon the beauty and my joy,

Who learnt our names--Ah Love!

They--will return no more!




The twining honeysuckles once again

Shall scale thy garden walls;

And once again at eve, more beautiful,

Their flowers will unfold.




But those of yore, begemmed with dews

Whose drops we watched together

Tremble and fall like tears of bright day,

They--will return no more!




Once more within thine ears, the words

Of burning love shall sound,

And from its slumber deep, perchance

Thy heart will wake.




But spellbound, speechless, kneeling low,

As saints before their altars are adored,

As I have loved thee--oh! deceive thee not!

Thus shall none love thee more!

--Translated by Mary A. Ward

• Purchase books by Gustavo Adolfo Becquer
• Browse other love poems