Why should I remember the days of long ago?
Days we spent together, beside the river's flow;
Why should I remember the dreams that haunt me yet?
Ah, why should I remember — if you forget!
Why should I remember the nights I sat and dreamed
As stars came out in Heaven — when they and I it seemed,
Alone kept watch and vigil — ah, I recall them yet!
But why should I remember — if you forget!
Why should I remember those days of Summer time
When Love immortal bound me, and sang his witching rhyme.
Why should I remember your vows as there we met?
Ah, why should I remember — if you forget!
Why should I remember the grave I fashioned wide
Within my heart and laid you, and all that with you died.
Why should I bewail you, and why should it be yet
That I must still remember — and you forget!
Why has my heart grown empty and why this empty throne
Where you who made life dear have left me now alone?
Why can I not a watch against your mem'ry set?
Ah, why should I remember — when you forget!