Analysis of The Lament

Flow sweetly on your way, oh gentle river,
Move gracefully on your way as you flow;
For my love lies asleep beside your waters
In a grave beneath white lilies in a row.

Oh my love left me in the springtime
After the snowdrops had lost their bloom;
Alas, I feel the pain of heartbreak
As moonlight enters my darkened room.

So flow softly on thy way, oh gentle river,
Carry me on a barge to my fair love;
Take me from this land of eternal winter
Into the land where dwells my cherished ‘dove‘.

There once again I’ll experience happiness,
In seeing again the flower that set me free;
To enjoy again the love of early manhood,
A love as deep as is your loving sea.