Thoughts During the Singing of a Beautiful Song

[ZaunköniG]

Thoughts During the Singing of a Beautiful Song
To William Linley

While my young cheek retains its heathful hues,
And I have many friends who hold me dear,
Lineley! methinks I would not often hear
Such melodies as thine, lest I should lose

All memory of the wrongs and sore distress
For which my miserable brethren weep!
But should uncomforted misfortunes steep
My daily bread in tears and bitterness,

And if at death’s dread moment I should lie
With no beloved face at my bedside,
To fix the last glance of my closing eye,

Methings such strains, breathed by my angel guide,
Would make me pass the cup of anguish by,
Mix with the blest, nor know that I had died!