'By the Lake'

from Faηade

General Information – Performing Forces – Manuscript – Publication – Arrangements – Recordings – Text

General Information:

Text:
Dame Edith Sitwell (1887–1964)
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Text:

Across the flat and the pastel snow
Two people go …'And do you remember
When last we wandered this shore?'…'Ah no!
For it is cold-hearted December.'
'Dead, the leaves that like asses' ears hung on the trees
When last we wandered and squandered joy here;
Now Midas your husband will listen for these
Whispers — these tears for joy's bier.'
And as they walk, they seem tall pagodas;
And all the ropes let down from the cloud
Ring the hard cold bell-buds upon the trees — codas
Of overtones, ecstasies, grown for love's shroud.

— Dame Edith Sitwell (1887–1964)

WilliamWalton.net – Catalogue of Works – Solo Vocal Music – Faηade