Ah lady, lady, leave the creeping mist,
And leave the iron castle by the sea!
Nay, from the sea there came a ghost that kissed
My lips, and so I cannot come to thee!
Ah lady, leave the cruel landward wind
That crusts the blighted flowers with bitter foam!
Nay, for his arms are cold and strong to bind,
And I must dwell with him and make my home!
Come, for the Spring is fair in Joyous Guard
And down deep alleys sweet birds sing again.
But I must tarry with the winter hard,
And with the bitter memory of pain,
Although the Spring be fair in Joyous Guard,
And in the gardens glad birds sing again!