THE FAIR-HAIRED GIRL The sun has set, the stars are still, The red moon hides behind the hill; The tide has left the brown beach bare, The birds have fled the upper air; Upon her branch the lone cuckoo Is chanting still her sad adieu; And you, my fair-haired girl, must go Across the salt sea under woe! I through love have learned three things, Sorrow, sin, and death it brings; Yet day by day my heart within Dares shame and sorrow, death and sin: Maiden, you have aimed the dart Rankling in my ruined heart: Maiden, may the God above Grant you grace to grant me love! Sweeter than the viol's string, And the notes that blackbirds sing; Brighter than the dewdrops rare Is the maiden wondrous fair: Like the silver swans at play Is her neck, as bright as day! Woe to me, that e'er my sight Dwelt on charms so deadly bright! -- Anonymous (18th century), translated by Samuel Ferguson.