O, now that I am free as the air
And fleet as clouds above,
I will wander everywhere
Over the ways I love.
Lightly, lightly will I pass
Nor scatter as I go
A shadow on the blowing grass
Or a footprint in the snow.
All the wild things of the wood
That once were timid and shy
They shall not flee their solitude
For fear, when I pass by;
And beauty, beauty, the wide world over,
Shall blush when I draw near:
She knows her lover, the joyous lover,
And greets him without fear.
But if I come to the dark room
From which our love hath fled
And bend above you in the gloom
Or kneel beside your bed,
Smile soft in your sleep, my beautiful one,
For if you should say‘ Nay’
To the dream which visiteth you alone,
My joy would wither away.