Full Lyrics
I heard the bells in distant greeting,
With whisper sweet a louder song,
Now far in mingled waves retreating,
Now pouring tides of sound along.
Then through the air came sounds of sadness,
Shivering amid the joy on high,
Thus dwells in love’s pervading gladness
The secret sigh.
I heard the nightingale complaining,
With soft lament and tender moan,
Till, thrilling power and richness gaining,
The music rose to rapture’s throne.
So love may hear a strain of sorrow
Circling within the heart’s abyss,
Yet all will vibrate on the morrow
In surging bliss.
