Der Wald: I. Prologue

Deep hid in the heart of the forest glades ever weaving and hov'ring in lonely mood

Far from the fret and strife of restless mortals we dwell, their voices we hear not, and all is at peace!

Rude tempests are hushed near our leafy shrine in the 
dew laden silence calmly floating watch we the seasons 
waxing and waning watch the ages that dawn and depart 
and whisper the word: Eternity!

How swiftly how surely passeth man's delight! And e'en 
like a dream are his pains forget: we the Immortals, fade 
not neither perish are old as the heavens

And young as the blossoms that herald a bounteous spring