O linden tree, how sweet art thou

1 O, Linden tree, how sweet art thou,
When bees are o'er thee flying;
Soft zephyrs whisp'ring through thy boughs,
and leaflets soft replying.

2 O, Linden tree, in valleys green,
With boughs all blossom laden;
How many sighs, how many vows,
Thou hear'st from lad and maiden.

3 O Linden tree! O Linden tree!
Why fade thy blooming flowers?
Is it to teach joy, life, and love
Fade as the Linden flowers?

4 The birds all love the Linden tree;
And sweetly there at even,
The heart that knows the source of joy,
May raise itself to Heaven.

Source: Linden Harp: a rare collection of popular melodies adapted to sacred and moral songs, original and selected. Illustrated. Also a manual of... #38a