As all the perfumes of the vanished day Rise from the earth still moistened with the dew So from my chastened soul beneath thy ray Old love is born anew.
I m growing old, Im sixty years; I ve labored all my life in vain. In all that time of hopes and fears, I ve failed my dearest wish to gain. I see full well that here below Bliss unalloyed there is for none My prayer would else fulfilment know Never have I seen Carcassonne!
Carcassonne. Translated by John Reuben Thompson. Stanza 1.
They tell me every day is there Not more nor less than Sunday gay; In shining robes and garments fair The people walk upon their way. One gazes there on castle walls As grand as those of Babylon, A bishop and two generals! What joy to be in Carcassonne! Ah! might I but see Carcassonne!
Carcassonne. Translated by John Reuben Thompson. Stanza 3.