Beside the stream a minstrel play’d The charming tunes of old, By hands of elves his flute was made And was adorn’d with gold. The tunes were sweet as sweet could be The beauty of his land; So light and great, yet wild and free, It rang like water in the sea Upon the lonely strand. Then softly trill’d like nightingale Beneath the heaven’s vast And after told the fairy tale Of long forgotten Past. From wondrous realm she came to him With flowers in her hair; Her fond and tender smile did gleam In shining eyes, so fair. And to his home they took their way, Past elven blooming lands; Once at the dawning of the day From every bush, on every spray The nymphs waved with their hands “Fare thee well, young bard! – they said Thy songs do bring delight! And dearest lady, we’re glad To bless thee with our light!” Beside the sea the minstrel play’d The charming tunes of old. And with her clear voice, the maid Was singing to the world. 31 January 2006