By the Arno

The oleander on the wall Grows crimson in the dawning light, Though the grey shadows of the night Lie yet on Florence like a pall. The dew is bright upon the hill, And bright the blossoms overhead, But ah! the grasshoppers have fled, The little Attic song is still. Only the leaves are gently stirred By the soft breathing of the gale, And in the almond-scented vale The lonely nightingale is heard. The day will make thee silent soon, O nightingale sing on for love! While yet upon the shadowy grove Splinter the arrows of the moon. Before across the silent lawn In sea-green mist the morning steals, And to love’s frightened eyes reveals The long white fingers of the dawn Fast climbing up the eastern sky To grasp and slay the shuddering night, All careless of my heart’s delight, Or if the nightingale should die.