Thy sunbeam comes upon this earth of mine
with arms outstretched
and stands at my door the livelong day
to carry back to thy feet
clouds made of my tears and sighs and songs.
With fond delight thou wrappest about thy starry breast
that mantle of misty cloud, turning it into numberless shapes
and folds and colouring it with hues everchanging.
It is so light and so fleeting, tender and tearful and dark,
that is why thou lovest it, O thou spotless and serene.
And that is why it may cover thy awful white light
with its pathetic shadows.