“Rencontre” + 

Oh, was I born too soon, my dear, or were you born too late, + 

That I am going out the door while you come in the gate? + 

For you the garden blooms galore, the castle is en fête; + 

You are the coming guest, my dear⁠—for me the horses wait. + 

I know the mansion well, my dear, its rooms so rich and wide; + 

If you had only come before I might have been your guide, + 

And hand in hand with you explore the treasures that they hide; + 

But you have come to stay, my dear, and I prepare to ride. + 

Then walk with me an hour, my dear, and pluck the reddest rose + 

Amid the white and crimson store with which your garden glows⁠— + 

A single rose⁠—I ask no more of what your love bestows; + 

It is enough to give, my dear⁠—a flower to him who goes. + 

The House of Life is yours, my dear, for many and many a day, + 

But I must ride the lonely shore, the Road to Far Away: + 

So bring the stirrup-cup and pour a brimming draught, I pray, + 

And when you take the road, my dear, I’ll meet you on the way. + 