O LITTLE bird ! know'st thou the way
Which is unknown to me?
How swift thou flewest at break of day,
With heart all full of glee !

Around thy neck my message tied,
Full of my longing mind ;
Thy speed the sailor has outvied,
Thou waitest for no wind.

No sweet reply can I get now;
No word to ease my pain ;
I know not when, I know not how,
Or if we meet again.

O might that be, what gladness then !
I'd sing, sweet bird, like thee ;
O come and tell me of the when
That happy time shall be.