Class _&ijiSlS_, 
 Book /y 
 
 Copyright N". 
 
 I^<S 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
POEMS 
 
 ORIGINAL AND TRANSLATIONS 
 
POEMS 
 
 Original and Translations 
 
 By 
 JAMES HERVEY HYSLOP, PH. D., LL. D. 
 
 Secretary of the American Society 
 for Psychical Research 
 
 lSCIRE-avOD( 
 
 PSCIENDVMJ 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 SMALL, MAYNARD & COMPANY 
 
 1915 
 
/^^ 
 
 1 
 
 •I \' 
 
 Copyrighted. 1915 
 By Jambs Hervey Hvslop 
 
 MAY -I 1916 
 
 0)CU428779 
 
^ 
 
 r 
 
 Dedicated 
 
 to 
 
 My Children 
 
 George^ Winifred and Beatrice 
 
PREFACE 
 
 ^^|! HOSE who know me only in my philo- 
 sophical and scientific writing will feel 
 some surprise to find me in the role of 
 poetry. While I was very fond of it in 
 my childhood and read much of it I never ven- 
 tured on writing or translating any of it until I 
 was far past fifty. I remembered that Darwin lost 
 his love of poetry from the influence of his scientific 
 studies, and one motive, perhaps the chief one, in pub- 
 lishing this little volume is to give testimony to the fact 
 that science may not always destroy the poetic sense. 
 Darwin lost his faith from the materialistic tendencies 
 of his theories, and with it he lost the love for poetry 
 which goes with some sort of faith. I, too, lost mine, 
 but had it restored by deeper draughts from the source 
 which had first deprived me of it. 
 
 A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, 
 Drink deep, or touch not the Pierian spring. 
 
 But whatever the influence, age and scientific studies 
 have not dimmed at last the passion for that literature 
 which has cheered or soothed the race from the time 
 of Homer and Sappho. 
 
 The original poems, both in English and German, 
 required a special mood to suggest and create them. 
 This mood was not and is not always at my command. 
 No doubt the absorption in scientific duties, which have 
 been more exacting than most people know, has pre- 
 vented the occurrence of those moods which might have 
 
viii Preface 
 
 resulted in more inspiration than here finds expression. 
 But the fact that they came long after middle life made 
 them worthy of notice and record, if only as testimony 
 to other tastes than barren facts. Philosophy is 
 poetry, if only people knew it, and only a deliberate 
 effort to conceal or smother this aspect of it would 
 ever prevent its recognition. Probably it was the ex- 
 cessive use of its poetic features that converted it into 
 the servant of science which has never given faith and 
 hope free reins for their imagination. The time is 
 coming, and that rapidly, when they may restore their 
 wings. 
 
 I make no pretense to merits in my poetry. I am 
 not a competent judge of it. It is only the product of 
 a nature which has other interests besides those of pure 
 science, and lays no claim to the rugged passion of 
 Browning or the honeyed imagery of Tennyson or the 
 excellencies of any other bard. It is just the wilder- 
 ness in which I sought to pacify my moods or to seek 
 relief from the thralls of science, and in that way I 
 saved my mind and its occupations from isolation. 
 Moreover the poems are evidence that fact need not 
 disturb fancy. Fiction, in modern life, has taken the 
 place of religion which had been the fairyland of 
 poetry, and has given such sombre hues to science, that 
 it is well to attest another case in which fact has not 
 robbed the world of its poetic aroma. 
 
 The translations of German poetry do not pretend 
 to reproduce the incomparable beauties of the original. 
 It is impossible to translate the poetry of one language 
 into that of another and at the same time retain its im- 
 agery and its beauty. Beautifully articulated imagery, 
 
Preface ix 
 
 rhyme, and rhythm are the fundamental characteristics 
 of poetry and these are not interchangeable in different 
 languages. You can only transfer the sense and the 
 rhythm: you cannot transfer the imagery and the 
 rhyme. For this reason I have given the original Ger- 
 man poems so that lovers of German poetry may have 
 an excuse for disregarding the translations. Those 
 who are not fortunate enough to know or like German 
 may rest content with the effort to reproduce the sense 
 and rhythm in English. But the real beauty of the 
 original is not convertible into English. The poetic 
 meaning is all that is common. 
 
 I owe a deep debt of thanks to Professor Carl 
 Schmidt, of Tufts College for going over the original 
 German poems to see that unpardonable errors did not 
 occur, and also for his examination of the translations 
 of the German poems to see that I had caught the right 
 spirit in obscure passages. 
 
 I have not always followed the metre of the original 
 German. I have usually done so, but in a few in- 
 stances the sense would have been spoiled by the at- 
 tempt to preserve the original metre. I have taken 
 special liberties in that respect with Paoli's remarkable 
 poem entitled Cabe. The sense was too important to 
 sacrifice any of it to the demands of the original metre. 
 
 In the trcuislations of some portions of Goethe's 
 Fausi, readers will remark occasionally the influence of 
 Bayard Taylor. 
 
Part I 
 ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 English 
 
Original Poems — English 
 
 COMPANIONSHIP 
 
 Linger by me in the toils of life. 
 
 And while the struggle brings its joy and pain. 
 Let no doubting mingle with the strife. 
 But take the cross in sunshine and in rain. 
 
Original Poems — English 
 
 FRINGES 
 
 Many happy sunlit hours come and go. 
 And gild in golden hues my daily task. 
 
 Waiting silent in the pensive gloaming, 
 Thy gentle heart is all I ask. 
 
Original Poems — English 
 
 LOVE'S BROODING 
 
 For thy still loving helpful heart 
 I have no memory ; but one. 
 An everlasting thought that steals 
 Its way into my deeper moods. 
 And is the deepest part 
 Of their supernal life. 
 And holds in all-embracing grasp 
 The perfect end of God and man. 
 
Original Poems — English 
 
 VICTORY 
 
 The clouds that gathered round the light of hope 
 Have vanished now far down the azure deep : 
 
 And in the shaded vale or on the mountain slope 
 My soul shall wander there no more to weep. 
 
 And yet the mocking sight of others' bitter pain. 
 Or stunted growth and life, divinely pleading grace, 
 
 May check one's ecstasy and make the heart complain 
 That God does little in the struggles of the race. 
 
Original Poems — English 
 
 RESIGNATION 
 
 The sadder moments of a wearied hope 
 Find on their fringe a dream of better days, 
 And while their aura holds the leash of pain, 
 That keenly throbs about one's passing joys. 
 The bitter sweet will fuse its mingled shades 
 Into the calm majestic life of God. 
 
8 Original Poems — English 
 
 WAITING HOPES 
 
 Resting in the woodland where the lilies grow, 
 Walking by the roaring ocean and its billows. 
 
 Looking at the meadows where the cricket's song 
 Shrilly marks the rising heat on grassy pillows. 
 
 Resting with the morning light in downy peace, 
 Roaming by the brimming river and its stream, 
 
 Wand' ring o'er the moonlit vale where glows the heart 
 Whiling the ecstatic passion in a lovely dream. 
 
 I wait for one deep sigh of hope and love 
 That gathers on its wings the burdened roll 
 
 Of human ills, and crying for the day 
 
 That will requite the patience of the soul. 
 
Original Poems — English 
 
 MIND AND HEART 
 
 Wisdom and passion 
 Playing for place. 
 
 Whichever winneth 
 Loses its grace. 
 
 When the two, peaceful. 
 Mingle and kiss: 
 
 Then cometh sweetly 
 Power and bliss. 
 
10 Original Poems — English 
 
 LOVE 
 
 Philosophy has told the world 
 What nature, God and man may be. 
 Come with the searching light of truth 
 And tell me now what love may be. 
 
 Is it the lonely mystery defying human thought? 
 Or will its definition open here the hidden lock 
 That holds beyond the reach of man's experient gaze 
 The fairy land of hope and joy enchanted by the 
 heart? 
 
 Or must we wait to feel its stealing, glowing, placid 
 
 charm, 
 Before the mind can e'en perceive what it is asked to 
 
 tell? 
 Is it in vain that men will strive to give the soul 
 The native element in which it ever grows and thrives ? 
 
 Shall logic or philosophy essay Pandora's box? 
 Shall Psyche linger here to bless instead of curse the 
 
 race? 
 And yet is it the dark and misty thing behind the 
 
 clouds, 
 That silent plays its hide and seek with human mind 
 
 and heart? 
 
Original Poems — English I 1 
 
 No deeps can hide its vision here. 
 
 The soul is ever on the wing, 
 And sings in accents true and clear: 
 
 It is a wondrous simple thing. 
 
 A random word at dusk, 
 
 And in the silence ever, 
 A look, a sigh, a clasp. 
 
 And two are one forever.* 
 
 * With apologies to President G. Stanley Hall, who had 
 once tried to define " Love ". 
 
Original Poems — Engiish 
 
 LIFE'S MAZE 
 
 Happy in the light, 
 Happy all the night: 
 Happy as it seems 
 In my very dreams. 
 
 Happy when it shines, 
 Happy when it rains; 
 Writing at the lines 
 Stilling all my pains. 
 
 Throbbing all the days, 
 Blessing all my work. 
 Always in the maze 
 Healing there will lurk. 
 
 Coming in the dawn. 
 Playing on the lawn. 
 Looking in the gloaming 
 Curing all my roaming. 
 
 Watch me in the shadows 
 Moving o'er the meadows. 
 Love me in the sorrows 
 Clouding all the morrows. 
 
Original Poems — English I 3 
 
 THE LOVER'S CRY 
 
 Gentle maiden, 
 
 Love me laden 
 
 With the rosy morning joy 
 
 And give me no alloy 
 
 Of pain, or what may sever 
 
 Hearts that love forever and forever. 
 
14 Original Poems — English 
 
 WANDERING THOUGHTS 
 
 Climbing o*er the mountain, 
 Wand'ring down the valley ; 
 
 Playing by the fountain 
 
 Where the birdlings rally: 
 
 Lingers in the mellow twilight 
 All the hoping heart's delight, 
 If only faithful lovers know 
 The spirit's happy afterglow. 
 
 Sailing o'er the ocean 
 
 And the bounding billow; 
 
 Saddened by the motion 
 Of the weeping willow: 
 
 Burning in the wilding heart 
 The passion of a lover's art, 
 To gather in its folded wings 
 The bliss that only poet sings. 
 
 Gazing on a star. 
 
 With its gleaming light 
 
 Coming from afar 
 
 Through the fairy night: 
 
 Only he can walk the lover's lane 
 That worships at a starry fane, 
 By mountain gulfs divinely awed. 
 And spends his hours there with God. 
 
 Silver winged clouds 
 
 Floating ever by; 
 Nature's mystic shrouds 
 
 Over land and sky: 
 
Original Poems — English 15 
 
 Spirits of the air on downy throne, 
 That move in passion all alone 
 The longing soul and whisper there 
 The peaceful dream of love so fair. 
 
 Wading laughing waters, 
 
 Mooning in the forest; 
 Praying for the father's 
 
 Burdens that are sorest. 
 
 Loving all the throbbing human kind. 
 In one that gently turns the mind 
 To mould the heart for noble deeds, 
 And wins his peace in joyous meads. 
 
 Dreaming in the gloaming. 
 
 Waiting for the morning ; 
 Staying all my roaming 
 
 With the spirit's warning: 
 
 Waiting for the love that ever weds 
 In life the gold and silver threads 
 Of joy and pain, and marks the rest 
 Of those who are forever blest. 
 
 Feel the winds ablowing. 
 
 See the skies aglowing. 
 Watch the clouds aflying; 
 
 Summer days are dying : 
 
 The sadder autumn moments still 
 The sunbeams' ardent cheering thrill ; 
 But loving hearts throb on to yield 
 Ecstatic bliss in one Elysian field. 
 
1 6 Original Poems — English 
 
 FANCIES 
 
 O'er mountain and valley, 
 Where winds may still sally. 
 In woodland and dale. 
 So lusty and hale. 
 That elfin and sprite 
 Resist not their might: 
 There lovers still throng 
 In passion and song. 
 
 We catch the first glance 
 Of life and romance. 
 Where drear and lonely soul 
 Is ever thus made whole. 
 And then sweet music seizes 
 The mellow lullaby breezes, 
 To brighten the morrow 
 By healing its sorrow. 
 
Original Poems — English 1 7 
 
 A MOOD 
 
 The balmy air and cheerful mood, 
 The sombre hues of solitude, 
 Combine in accents clear to cover 
 The happy soul of happy lover. 
 
8 Original Poems — English 
 
 A WISH 
 
 May many happy moments come and go 
 And keep your heart from all its woe: 
 For I can hardly leash my throbbing joy, 
 That breaks upon my soul with no alloy. 
 
Original Poems — English 19 
 
 DREAMS AND FANCIES 
 
 Every moment in the gloaming. 
 While the soul is ever roaming 
 O'er the plains of love and life. 
 Far beyond the cruel strife, 
 Comes the voice of earnest duty, 
 Yielding all the charm of beauty. 
 While the heart forever burns, 
 Or its shadowed passion turns 
 Fortune's fears into a joy 
 That our pains cannot annoy. 
 
 Not on slothful eiderdown 
 Comes the victor's golden crown ; 
 But in wildered ecstasy, 
 Mind of man or fantasy 
 Brings the joy of rest. 
 Winning all its quest 
 After toil and trouble. 
 And the vanished bubble 
 That our hopes had builded. 
 And imagination gilded. 
 
 Dreams of ancient story 
 And of Godly glory 
 Linger in the still twilight. 
 And the dim religious light 
 Of our memories and song. 
 Cheering crowds that throng 
 Brilliant halls and sacred fane. 
 Lighting wand'rers o'er the main. 
 While the sunny brighter morrow 
 Halos all our sorrow. 
 
20 Original Poems — English 
 
 LOVE AND OLD AGE 
 
 Just like a boy 
 Bubbling with joy. 
 Watching the sea 
 Quite full of glee. 
 Heart throbs in me 
 Waiting for thee. 
 
Original Poems — English 2\ 
 
 SYMPATHY 
 
 Watch me in the gloaming, 
 Keep my heart from roaming. 
 Let me ever follow 
 In the vale of sorrow. 
 Hold me to thy breast. 
 Give me peace and rest. 
 Stay me in the valley 
 Where the birds may rally. 
 
 Let me worship gladly 
 At the fane that sadly 
 Mourns the hand of death, 
 Waits in bated breath 
 For its mated lost. 
 Counts the fearful cost: 
 And the heart is glowing 
 While the tears are flowing. 
 
 Wait for happy days 
 Greeting him who prays, 
 Blessing hearts entwining 
 Clouds with silver lining; 
 Joining melody 
 Mild and threnody: 
 Always in the van 
 Loving God and man. 
 
22 Original Poems — English 
 
 A SUNSET 
 
 Beyond horizon's bar in twilight splendid. 
 The sun moves calmly onward in his mellow light, 
 And turns his reddened glow on watching millions; 
 Who, flushed with wond'ring ecstasy, are chained 
 By beauty and sublimity in firmest grasp 
 Of worship, silent and serene, and living 
 Divinely patient for the morrow, with its task 
 Of quiet duties, hardly borne, until the hour 
 When nature's art and passion kindles equally 
 The mood of faith, of courage, and of reverence. 
 
Original Poems — English 23 
 
 A MOUNTAIN VIEW 
 
 No loneliness can come in wood or fell. 
 For humming wings stir fondly glen and dell: 
 TTie brooks that babble over cliff and stony floor, 
 At last wind slowly o'er the fenland moor. 
 And mountain slope in baths of fluid velvet air 
 Stilly moves the wilding heart in passion there. 
 
24 Original Poems — English 
 
 WAITING 
 
 Again have come the evening tides; 
 Uncertain hope with me abides. 
 The happy times that once did flow. 
 In cheering accents here below. 
 Are waiting for the voice of fate 
 To point the way to heaven's gate, 
 Or mark the shadows of a Hfe 
 Already filled with pain and strife. 
 
Original Poems — English 25 
 
 A REVERIE 
 
 I LINGER in the sacred fane of God's eternal light. 
 And worship there to gain the strength that comes from 
 
 faithfulness. 
 The firmer will to live for that which takes away the 
 
 blight 
 Of passion low and glorifies in loveliness 
 The higher spirit in the heart of God and man. 
 
 Our wandering thoughts may gather strength 
 From tempting struggles in the toils of life. 
 
 And happy he who keeps at length 
 
 His vision on the sinless strife. 
 
 And makes his passions play the part 
 
 Of servant to all diviner art. 
 
26 Original Poems — English 
 
 TWILIGHT 
 
 In rhapsody the human heart will ever surge. 
 When sunset and the dawn, in ruddy beams of light. 
 Touch the horizon of infinity, and merge. 
 In radiance sublime, the shores of day and night. 
 
Original Poems — English 27 
 
 NIGHT 
 
 The sun was far beyond horizon's bar. 
 And tinge of twilight, fading into night. 
 Ennobled there the distant azure deeps. 
 The evening star shone in the western sky. 
 And other orbs that twinkled in the gloom. 
 Were waiting for its setting in the sea. 
 To roam in the infinitudes of space. 
 And there in all the splendor of the night, 
 I saw the loneliness of God had toned 
 The blue empyrean forever and forever, 
 
28 Original Poems — English 
 
 A MEMORY OF 1876 
 
 For ages past, before the forest deep 
 Had yielded to the ravages of man, 
 The lonely savage gained his living 
 In the valley of the blue Juniata. 
 
 When human culture found its life and home. 
 About the strangely wildered mountain scenes 
 Of dell and rock, the glory was resting 
 In the valley of the blue Juniata. 
 
 A wand' ring chance brought me, a stripling then. 
 Into the glories of that fabled stream, 
 And started all the joys of life, when riding 
 In the valley of the blue Juniata. 
 
 The moonlight shed its silver radiance there 
 Upon the mountain glen and woodland shade. 
 While I stood blissful and sublimely dreaming 
 In the valley of the blue Juniata. 
 
 And drinking deeply from its fountains pure 
 Of beauty and of power, peaceful and serene, 
 I found my dedication there, while musing 
 In the valley of the blue Juniata. 
 
Original Poems — English 29 
 
 DEATH 
 
 It is not loneliness of soul. 
 
 Nor grief nor tears that sternly bring 
 
 The pall that rests on broken hearts. 
 
 But shattered hopes and bleeding wounds 
 
 Of mind and spirit, slow to heal. 
 
 And gentle souls will ever weep 
 
 When death's cold ruthless hand lays hold 
 
 The silver cords of love and life. 
 
30 Original Poems — English 
 
 MATTER AND SPIRIT 
 
 In the world chaos, 
 Force and its reign. 
 Might against right. 
 Threaten the spirit 
 With a lost faith, 
 And its clear light 
 With the dark shadows, 
 Veiling its power. 
 Death is its mask 
 Hiding its life. 
 But the soul's hope, 
 Challenging fate. 
 Baffling its doubts. 
 Looks to the stars 
 For a clear path 
 To the white throne; 
 Begging the dead 
 That they come back. 
 And in their love 
 Give us a pledge 
 Of a new life. 
 Heaven must yield 
 Something to prayer. 
 Would it reveal 
 What a man hopes. 
 All the great field. 
 Darkened by ages 
 Having no light. 
 Opens its gates 
 
Original Poems — English 31 
 
 Now to the seer. 
 Here the new land, 
 Waiting for wisdom 
 And for brave men: 
 Bold is the task. 
 Glorious the prize, 
 And the heroic 
 Win it from God. 
 
32 Original Poems — English 
 
 GRIEF 
 
 In toils and anguish, made betimes 
 By firm and ruthless blows of fate. 
 It is the avarice insatiate of death 
 That chills the bloom of happiness. 
 The blissful peace of faith and hope. 
 And makes it hard to trust in God, 
 Whose fatal hand had marred the joys 
 Of life and love. To pray for light 
 In such a fate seemed sacrilege. 
 
 Around me were the wrecks of hope. 
 
 The sun had set on all the days 
 
 Of guarded love and helping strength. 
 
 And left a mourning Hecuba, 
 
 In sorrow's pain and widow's weeds. 
 
 The nightly pall of darkness fell 
 
 On every gleam of peace and joy. 
 
 And even God, behind the clouds. 
 
 Would hardly deign to give me light. 
 
 Or cheer the lonely days of grief. 
 
 But when I found the knowledge clear. 
 That I could meet again the troth 
 Of early days and joys, I rose 
 On stronger feet and gladly trod 
 The path of patience and of peace. 
 The wider sense of truth and love 
 Arose in dawning brilliance then. 
 With that effulgent glory bright. 
 That justifies the ways of God, 
 And opes sublimer deeps of faith. 
 
Original Poems — English 33 
 
 OLD AGE 
 
 What mean the days and years that pass. 
 Like winds that sweep the boundless sea. 
 
 And carry in their wake, alas ! 
 The memories of youth for me? 
 
 Are they regrets that hold me fast, 
 And ever cloy me now with pain? 
 
 Or are they echoes of a past 
 
 That fall like fertile drops of rain? 
 
 The early sunlit happy days. 
 
 Of childhood and its careless glee. 
 
 Did live upon the wanton ways 
 Of freedom and its jollity. 
 
 No moaning tides of sorrow there. 
 Or keenest pain or bitter grief. 
 
 To ope the sobbing heart so bare. 
 
 Or bring the " sere and yellow leaf **. 
 
 And no restraint or pain could foil 
 The long and happy days of youth, 
 
 Or clog the passing days with toil 
 To find the golden prize of truth. 
 
 If only sense and passion reign, 
 
 Or hold the soul in their firm stays. 
 
 The later sadder years' refrain 
 Will ever shade the harvest days. 
 
34 Original Poems — English 
 
 If spirit and its inner life 
 
 Doth cleanse the soul's impurity. 
 
 The sunset days, all after strife. 
 Will tinge with fervent ecstasy. 
 
 The sated senses only pall. 
 
 When better wants are robbed their food. 
 We thrive here only under thrall 
 
 Of noble and religious mood. 
 
 'Tis not my grief: 'tis not my pain 
 That memory brings back to me: 
 
 In pensive moods of age I gain 
 The shores of God's eternal sea. 
 
 The spirit's toil mid worldly strife, 
 In winning here the soul's release, 
 
 Has brought to me immortal life. 
 Upon the silver wings of peace. 
 
Original Poems — English 35 
 
 KEARSARGE 
 
 Kearsarge, thou lonely sentinel. 
 That guardest far Atlantic shores, 
 Where old Apollo brightly casts 
 The silver sheen of placid main. 
 
 In thy sublime and lofty calm. 
 Thou guardest there the briny deep. 
 Where Neptune with his trident bold 
 Still rules the wastes of earth and sea. 
 
 Thou guardest, too, the western range 
 Of bolder mountains and the skies, 
 Whose glowing twilight nobly lumes 
 The distant azure gates of God. 
 
36 Original Poems — English 
 
 PRAYER AND PROMISE 
 
 Oh do not sadden all the world for me, 
 But let thy thoughts come o'er the lea. 
 Like moonlight on a summer sea. 
 To ever gladden all the world for me. 
 
 I shall not sadden all the world for thee, 
 But let my thoughts come o'er the lea, 
 Like moonlight on a summer sea, 
 To ever gladden all the world for thee. 
 
Original Poems — English 37 
 
 LIFE AND HOPE 
 
 The poet, seer, philosopher, or friend 
 Keeps watch o'er nature's guerdon, princely fair. 
 Some hope of things to come, eternal life. 
 One puts it in the present's vernal bloom. 
 And robs the loom of time of its reward. 
 Another seeks it in some distant clime. 
 Where heaven's chalice pours the wine of joy 
 Into the lap of fate. For you and me 
 It is the thrill of knowledge and of love. 
 That lumes the path of life, and binds therewith 
 Far off events beyond the gates of death. 
 
38 Original Poems — English 
 
 A QUIET WINTER MORNING 
 
 Here peace and quiet reign in undisturbed dominion, 
 
 Tho skies are gray and distant pines stand sadly still. 
 No birdling fills the air with song: on guarded pinion. 
 
 Or parts the ether in its flight to find the will 
 Of spring. The snows are waiting for the melting 
 rain 
 
 Or sun, and chill awhile the air which does not stir. 
 And waiting for the better days to come again. 
 
 When hearts throw off their sorrows in the dulcimer 
 And gentle winds of spring and summer. 
 
Original Poems — English 39 
 
 CLOUD AND SKY 
 
 The fleecy clouds float by 
 In azure blue and mystic deeps 
 To wander there in endless flight 
 Across eternal space, and symbolize 
 The dreamy ways of God and man. 
 
40 Original Poems — English 
 
 PENSIVE MOODS 
 
 Still watching near the swards of Eden, 
 And eager there to catch a gHmpse 
 Of that immortal Hght that guards 
 The open gates of life, the heart. 
 Complaining of its saddened lot. 
 Will cry for time, and tempting makes 
 The very gods its bitter enemies. 
 To find its spirit driven thence alone. 
 To toil in utter darkness and despair. 
 The spoils of many working years will not 
 Requite its sufferings, nor cure 
 The wounds that mar its final peace. 
 
 But are they cruel wounds that keep the soul 
 From casting its pure hopes into the lap 
 Of fortune and her wayward wilful joys? 
 But may not happiness come in the suit 
 Of duty and of goodness, or the toils 
 Wherein the pensive sadness and its tears 
 Will give fruition in Elysian fields. 
 Only one alembic, then, can cleanse and join 
 In one harmonious symphony the tides 
 Of joy and sorrow in our warring lives. 
 The glowing love that holds in melting arms 
 And grasp all human interest and pain. 
 
Original Poems — English 41 
 
 GREEK AND CHRISTIAN 
 
 'TiS neither wealth nor youth nor beauty fair, 
 The princely suit of all the ancient world, 
 That makes the worth of work and loving hope. 
 But all the deeper graces of the soul. 
 
42 Original Poems — English 
 
 A WINTER REVERIE ON A WESTERN PLAIN 
 
 No hills or mountains grace the vast expanse 
 Of western plains, those benisons of Providence 
 That voice the claim of power or sublimely rise 
 Into the silent ether deeps, but snowy shrilly winds 
 Of winter cold that stripped the trees of foliage, 
 The fields of verdure, and the gray bleak cast 
 Of landscape, air and sky, all sadly mourning life, 
 Could only pall the vision, vainly seeking light, 
 And deeply sadden all the face of nature 
 That waited for the tender heart of spring. 
 And silver winds that bring the growing green, 
 Or warm the passions of the splendid days 
 Into a glowing worship of the balmy reign 
 Of Ceres and her fertile plentitude of power, 
 Richly clad in her gay and wild luxuriance. 
 
 A touch of sadness, partly for myself, came painfully 
 Upon my clouded mind, and partly for the homes 
 In gray and weather-beaten villages that pay 
 Unconsciously their tribute to the greater world 
 Of wealth and art, the boon of fortune and of skill. 
 The humble population, scorning taste, or ignorant 
 Of all the finer play of nature and her sportful works. 
 Are whiling all the winter days in silent patient mood. 
 And living meagerly upon the scant proceeds of toil. 
 With neither joy nor sorrow there to stir the calm 
 And evenness of life. For culture, grace, and knowl- 
 edge 
 Are never dreamed as things for hungry avarice. 
 The little kirk, sustained by habit and tradition far. 
 Will hardly stir a hope beyond a childish fantasy 
 Of earthly gain, the longest hope of many prayers. 
 
Original Poems — English 43 
 
 THE SAND PLAINS OF NEW JERSEY 
 
 These sandy wastes are tributes to a mighty past. 
 The ancient times when man had yet not traversed 
 
 earth : 
 The sea had rolled its waves upon an ocean floor 
 That now grows pines and moss and lowly shrubbery. 
 
 No signs but whitened sands betray the distant age, 
 The stormy deeps and plash of waves that ground the 
 
 rocks 
 To sandy dust, waiting in sun and rain to grow 
 A covering for its nakedness and its barren soil. 
 
 How nature struggles here in tree and plant to show 
 Her fertile genius and enrich the eye with sheen 
 Of varied growth, extending her dominion there 
 O'er ravages of wind and sea, the thunder kings. 
 
 Then follows man, the paragon of animals. 
 With home and garden, twixt saving care and waste. 
 Half helps and half destroys the wilderness of life, 
 That won a splendid victory o'er ploughing main. 
 
44 Original Poems — English 
 
 A WINTER SCENE AND REFLECTIONS 
 
 To get at nature's finer nobler grace and power, 
 I wandered thoughtful in her healing loneliness, 
 To gather from her great enchanted, feeling heart 
 The warmth and heat of soul, the tenderness of love 
 That even winter life will not disturb or chill. 
 
 The pure white snow shone clear against the blue. 
 And purified alike the air, the wood, the sky. 
 And waiting for the balmy touch of spring to heal 
 The ravages of winter's frost. The sun arose 
 To gladden there, in joy, the life of man and God. 
 
 The gentle cooling wind was not enough to stir 
 The quiet pines or more than cause a sigh, 
 Or distant moan of music in their branches. 
 No home or troubled life of man or beast disturbed 
 The range of vision or the calm of day and night. 
 
 The vaulted sky, without a fleck or cloud of white. 
 Full calmly watched the silence and the passing joy 
 Of a reflective mood, that caught in fine embrace 
 The sheen of twinkling crystals in the waiting snow. 
 And tinctured every moment with its lovely memories. 
 
 And nature helped the thoughts that struggled there 
 For utterance, to get the prize in feeling only. 
 The storms of many hours rested from their toil. 
 The calmer regimen of resolute and stubborn faith 
 Kept mingled there the undertones of joy and grief. 
 
Original Poems — English 45 
 
 And slumbering ideals, then, that shadowed hope 
 Or kept aHve the spark of that eternal fire. 
 Still watch the sombre hues of fate and death. 
 To keep the springs of inspiration and of power 
 Where they may grow the bloom of happiness. 
 
 The resurrection of a brave and courageous will. 
 Or passion for the clear, sublimer path of God, 
 The tender melancholy joy of soul surrender, 
 May turn my sadder moments into a restful peace 
 Of mind and heart, a lumed light of all eternity. 
 
46 Original Poems — English 
 
 TENDER MOODS 
 
 Watching by the river where the liHes blow, 
 Singing songs of joyous music all aglow, 
 Trilling voices in the woodland's shady realms. 
 Waiting for the bliss that always overwhelms. 
 
 We wander hand in hand, our souls agleam 
 With sterling radiance from a moonlight beam. 
 And gather from the stars the sacred light 
 That lumes in milder sheen the shades of night. 
 
 The afterglow of peace and joy in life. 
 That hallowed all the worthy fields of strife. 
 Had stilled the passions with the sombre hue 
 Of duty, gracing all that to the soul is due. 
 
 For man will linger in the golden glow 
 Of twilight, and the touch of Cupid's bow. 
 To gain the radiant and the splendid bliss 
 That follows from a maiden's heart and kiss. 
 
 For all his happiness, the prize of love, 
 Will only come from hands divine above. 
 And color all the scenes of age and youth 
 With the sublime and sacred light of truth. 
 
Original Poems — English 47 
 
 REVELATION 
 
 Far down the moonlight dim of memory, 
 
 The gleaming lights of childhood's sunny ways, 
 
 In floating islands linger lazily, 
 
 And brighten all of manhood's autumn days. 
 
 The azure mystic deeps of sky and sea, 
 That meet and kiss on the horizon's bar, 
 
 Whence sunset's golden hues pour o'er the lea, 
 Illume old Phoebus' bright flamboyant car. 
 
 The clouds that gathered round the splendid throne 
 Of western glory and its flaming light. 
 
 To sail the vaulted blue, in silence lone. 
 
 Must vanish far within the shades of night. 
 
 Those winged messengers of God and man. 
 Lit up by moonlight's silver radiance. 
 
 Stir e'en the icy heart to worship Pan, 
 And bring the soul into obedience. 
 
 The winds and storms that lashed with fury wild. 
 The plains and forests and the fields of grain, 
 
 Were watched with tender wakeful eyes and mild, 
 Until the earth was quenched in falling rain. 
 
 The wild sublimity of sky and earth. 
 
 Of cloud and wind and storm and sun and stars. 
 To reverence and ecstasy gave birth. 
 
 The worship pure of all God's avatars. 
 
 'Twas there the brilliant waking dreams of youth 
 Seized all the passions of the mind and will. 
 
 To turn them, roaming, to the path of truth. 
 That they the ways of Providence fulfil. 
 
48 Original Poems — English 
 
 And then came doubt, the pall of troubled minds. 
 To blight the passion for eternal life. 
 
 And wildered every spring of hope that finds, 
 Mid pain and grief, a rest from earthly strife. 
 
 The grave did seem to close the sacred door 
 Of faith, when man reclines beneath the sod. 
 
 And where the cypress and the pine watch o'er 
 The gates of immortality and God. 
 
 The Sarsar wind of death that swept the field 
 Of nature and her joys, in plaintive song. 
 
 Bemoaned the withered hopes that ne'er would yield 
 Again the cheer that saves the human throng. 
 
 I keenly felt the sharp and painful rod 
 
 Of doubt, that held me clad in death's cold 
 shrouds. 
 
 While watching the immortal name of God 
 Sublimely setting there in thunder clouds. 
 
 As night began to settle o'er the soul, 
 
 A moment came when, in the gloaming bright. 
 
 The beacon fire of life, in flaming role. 
 Lit up the darkness with its beaming light. 
 
 Again the earth and sky and storm and star 
 Burst forth afresh in songs of jubilance. 
 
 To lume the path that leads across the bar. 
 And cheer the days with all God's radiance. 
 
 Henceforth I stood upon the shores of time, 
 
 " Of that immortal sea that brought us hither." 
 
 And now I calmly wait the call sublime 
 That brings us life forever and forever. 
 
Original Poems — English 49 
 
 NATURE'S TEMPLE 
 
 The sun moved down the western sky. 
 And rested on the beaming shores 
 Of night's infinity, the space 
 In which Orion's rising Hght 
 Is waiting for his silver throne; 
 Then sailed into the darkling sea 
 Of night, and left the splendid glow 
 Of twilight in his radiant wake. 
 
 The distant mountains, bathed in light 
 And hiding the horizon's bar. 
 Or closing in the blue empyrean. 
 Stand high in minatory grandeur. 
 The watchmen at the portals wide 
 Of day and night, the sentry bold 
 Whose vigilance sublimely guards 
 The entrance to infinity. 
 
 The moon rose slowly o'er the plain 
 And lighted woods and placid lake 
 In silver sheen. No evening winds 
 Disturbed the lambent air or moved 
 The silent leaves in revelry. 
 Or chilled the ecstasy of man. 
 Who worships there, in ardent joy. 
 The sombre glory of the stars. 
 
 In dell or woodland loneliness 
 
 The moonbeams* silver silence guards 
 
 The cadence of /Eolian music, 
 
50 Original Poems — English 
 
 That moves upon the balmy air 
 And lulls the soul into the peace 
 Of God, or thrills the passion deep 
 Of reverie and song, and opes 
 The gateway of eternal life. 
 
 The lights and shadows in the vale 
 Make fairyland for elf and sprite. 
 Or wake in human life the springs 
 Of true romance and poetry. 
 This challenges the mind and heart 
 To love and worship at the fane. 
 Which nature builds and sanctifies 
 For the immortal name of God. 
 
Original Poems — English 5 1 
 
 LIFE AND DEATH 
 
 We come into the noisy world 
 Without our choice and ignorant 
 Of all its sorrows and its sin: 
 But happy on our mother's breast, 
 We take its nourishment and feel 
 Its soft and pliant touch, and glow 
 With infant love, the keenest sense 
 Of pleasure and of helplessness. 
 The pangs of hunger and the joy 
 Of sating it are all we feel. 
 Not knowing then, in innocence. 
 Of hope or after fate of soul: 
 But sucklings feeling joy and pain ; 
 No knowledge of their meaning now 
 Or purpose in the hands of God. 
 
 The tender mind in slumber waits 
 The day when consciousness awakes 
 And infancy begins to merge 
 Into the happy days of youth, 
 When growing freedom marks the joy 
 Of passion in our work or play. 
 No duties yet obtrude, restrain, 
 Or rob our lives of pleasure keen. 
 But cheerily we live ablaze 
 With liberty and wanton joy. 
 Until the call of manhood's age 
 And love doth give a sober touch 
 To wilding passions glowing there. 
 And turns them into happiness 
 The prize of life, of home and God. 
 
52 Original Poems — English 
 
 And then, with sudden bound, comes death. 
 
 The reaper pale, whose ruthless blade 
 
 Now cuts the cords of love and life. 
 
 And leaves behind the withered leaves 
 
 Of fortune and of happiness. 
 
 The joys of life were in the place 
 
 Of hope and immortality: 
 
 No thought of bliss beyond the grave 
 
 Was wanted there, and heaven filled 
 
 The passing moments with its prize : 
 
 But when the pall of cruel death 
 
 Falls o'er the happy sunny days. 
 
 Men's bleeding hearts will wistful gaze 
 
 Into eternity for hope 
 
 And find therein the peace of God. 
 
 *Tis not for self we feel the glow 
 Of passion for continued life. 
 But love for those whose passage mars 
 The growth of soul and all its aims. 
 For death, in his remorseless path, 
 Leaves here no evidence for hope. 
 And we must seek its guerdon there 
 Where chance may bring a cheering word 
 From out the gates of grief and pain. 
 But when we bridge the sombre gulf 
 Twixt life and death, and learn that love 
 Still waits upon the shining shores 
 Of time and fate to meet us there. 
 We watch forever and forever 
 The distant purposes of God. 
 
Original Poems — English 53 
 
 NATURE. 
 
 The Paradise of man has varied in its claims 
 
 From past to future, and when legend turned the past 
 
 And its splendid vision into ashes and illusion, 
 
 We asked of God that, in his grace, we might enjoy. 
 
 In yellow meads of asphodel, exempt from toil. 
 
 The princely boon of everlasting rest and peace. 
 
 But we forget the unity of nature and her aims. 
 In making work and labor hard the means of growth. 
 The revelation of the scenes behind the veil. 
 And their identity with mortal life and pain. 
 Dissolves the dreams of golden ages after death. 
 Exhibiting the sterner ways of Providence. 
 
 For God still hides behind the mask of nature there 
 And all his gilded promises of light and joy 
 Still ask for unremitting toil, would we secure 
 The meed of progress and her happy treasures. 
 And pain, with all its brood of bitter tears and grief 
 Still lingers far beyond the shadows of the grave. 
 
Part II 
 ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 rerman 
 
56 Original Poems — German 
 
 O sei mir eine schone Seele 
 Nichi nur ein schones AngesichU 
 Und noch mem Herz nur eile 
 Auch Ti>o mem Auge blicl^t. 
 
 Ich suche nur dein liebes Herz 
 Verlange nur die Seligl^eit 
 In deine Augen recht zu schaun^ 
 Aus dem die Liehe immer strahlt 
 Das ist mir nun ein rein Cebei. 
 
 Im Wahn der holden Liehe findet man 
 Was alles Erdeleben lichten konn. 
 
 Das arme Menschenherz^ das einsam zieht 
 Des Lebens Pfad, im Nebel sucht den Weg 
 Nach Himmelslust, und nie das CliicJ^ erlebi 
 Noch ahnt was ihm die Selig^eit behdlt. 
 
 Im holden Wahn der ivachen Trdume 
 Gehn mir die schonen Tage hin. 
 
 Im Tvachen Traum der holden Liebe 
 Geht mir das seVge Leben hin. 
 
 Im "D^achen Traum der holden Liebe, 
 Da TPeilet Gliicl^ und Selig}(eit. 
 
Original Poems — German 57 
 
 Oh, be to me a lovely soul 
 And not a lovely face alone. 
 And let my heart then hasten 
 Where now my eyes are gazing. 
 
 'Tis only for your heart I ask. 
 And only seek the happiness 
 Of gazing straight into thy eyes. 
 Whence love doth ever stream. 
 That is for me my only prayer. 
 
 'Tis in the frenzy of a tender love man finds 
 What will illumine all his earthly life. 
 
 The bleeding human heart that lonely treads 
 The path of life, in clouds doth seek the way 
 To heaven's happiness, and never feels its joy. 
 Nor dreams of what is held in store for it. 
 
 In the gentle joys of waking dream 
 I pass the lovely days agleam. 
 
 In waking dream of tender love 
 Dwells ever joy and happiness. 
 
 In waking dream of tender love 
 I pass my happy life away. 
 
58 Original Poems — German 
 
 Im wachen Traum der holden Liebe 
 ClUhen mir die schonsten Triebe. 
 
 Ich sage, nicht verloren gehi die Liebe 
 Wo herrschen, sehnsuchtsvoll, die schonsten 
 Triebe. 
 
 Die Heimat ist rvo meine Liebe ist. 
 Vertpeile, Herz, und lass die Selig^eiU 
 Als immer in der Lebenslust du bisi^ 
 Beharren freilich in der Ewigl^eit. 
 
 An meiner Brust ipo deine Heimat ist 
 Die holde Liebe deine Leiden heili. 
 An deiner Brust Tvo meine Heimat ist 
 Die holde Liebe meine Leiden heilt. 
 
 Sollen wir die Kunst 
 
 Und auch Religion 
 
 Mit einander recht behalten ? 
 
 Die Cotter lieben die Religion 
 
 Die Menschen lieben nur die Kunst, 
 
 Der Erde schoneren Cestalten. 
 
 Wenn rvir bei Himmelslust 
 Und geistlichen Cedanl^en 
 
 Noch beharren, 
 Dann rverden alle Lebensahnung, 
 Und auch das sinnliche Bestreben 
 
 Nicht erstarren. 
 
Original Poems — German 59 
 
 In waking dream of tender love 
 There ever glow the finest passions. 
 
 I would assert that love is never lost 
 Where rule, in sighs, the finest passions. 
 
 My home is where my love subsists. 
 Then wait and let thy happiness, 
 While in the joys of life thou art. 
 Stay safely in eternity. 
 
 There on my breast where is thy home. 
 My tender love will heal your sorrows. 
 And on thy breast where is my home, 
 Thy tender love will heal my sorrows. 
 
 Should we our art 
 And, too, religion 
 Together rightly hold? 
 The gods do love religion: 
 And man loves only art. 
 The finer forms of earth. 
 
 When we by heaven's joys 
 And spirit's noble thoughts 
 
 Still abide. 
 Then all the dreams of life 
 And all the aims of sense 
 
 Will not harden. 
 
60 Original Poems — German 
 
 Weii in das Leben der Vergangenheit, 
 
 Jenseits der Jugendjahre, blicken wir ziiruck 
 
 Und suchen immer in Errinnerung die holde Zeit^ 
 
 Die frohe Lust der Kindertage, das verlorne Cliick 
 
 Der Alien: aber noch in aller Lebenspein, 
 
 Wo Schmerz und Freude mischen sich nur freund- 
 
 lich ein. 
 Die Stunden rverden heilig durch der Liebe Macht. 
 Die wilden Jugendtage denn verlieren immer triibe 
 Das hohe Cliick der Menschen oder Tvarten in der 
 
 Nacht 
 Der Seele auf die schone Goiter ddmmerung der 
 
 Liebe. 
 
Original Poems — German 61 
 
 Far in the distant past of life 
 
 Beyond the years of youth we gaze, 
 
 And ever seek from memory the golden age. 
 
 The joyous days of childhood, the lost happiness 
 
 Of older men : but still in all the pains of life, 
 
 Where joy and sorrow friendly intermingle. 
 
 The time was sanctified by love. 
 
 The wilder days of youth will ever lose in pain 
 
 The higher happiness of man, or wait in darkness 
 
 Of soul the noble God's twilight of love. 
 
62 Original Poems — German 
 
 Das eTvig Weibliche 
 Zieht uns hinan. — GcETHE. 
 
 Warum nicht auch 
 
 Das ewig Mdnnliche? 
 
 Soil es etwa darum 
 
 Weil das ewig Mdnnliche 
 
 1st das eivig Teuflische? 
 
 Ich hoffe nicht. Die holden Frauen 
 
 Doch sollen sich nicht J^reuzigen 
 
 Um emst die Manner tief zu heilen. 
 
 Zu Grande gehen sollen alle Manner 
 
 Die auf gehroch ^nem Herz der Frauen 
 
 Des Lebens Heil und Werth noch suchen. 
 
 Wenn sie einander k^nnen^ 
 
 Sich durch die Liehe gelten; 
 
 Wenn Manner auch die Pflichten 
 
 Weit iiher Liiste stellen, 
 
 Und schonen Liehes Stemen 
 
 Mit holdem Auge folgen, 
 
 Dann hringt der edle Trieb 
 
 Die ganze Welt zusammen.^ 
 
 * Written in criticism of Goethe. Faust was Goethe's auto- 
 biography. Even in Caesar's time the German women bore the 
 toils and pains of Hfe and they have never been emancipated. 
 
Original Poems — German 63 
 
 The eternal womanly 
 Leads us onward. 
 
 Why also not 
 The eternal manly? 
 Is it because 
 The eternal manly 
 Is the eternal devilish? 
 I hope not so. For gentle woman 
 Should not assume the sacrifice 
 To bring to man a deep salvation. 
 All men should find destruction 
 Who build upon a broken heart 
 The worth of their eternal life. 
 When they each other know, 
 Through love their lives to save. 
 When men their duties place 
 Beyond the rule of passion, 
 And follow with tender heart 
 The beautiful star of love. 
 That noble light will bring 
 The greater world together. 
 
Part III 
 TRANSLATIONS 
 
 German Lyrics 
 
66 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Die Sonne i'ont nach alter Weise 
 In Briidersphdren Wettgesang^ 
 Und ihre vorgeschrieb'ne Reise 
 Vollendei sie mit Donnergang. 
 Ihr Anblick gibt den Engeln Stdrf^e 
 Wenn k^iner sie ergriinden mag; 
 Die unbegreiflich hohen Werf^e 
 Sind herrlich wie a mersten Tag. 
 
 Und schnell und unbegreiflich schnelle 
 Dreht sich umher der Erde Pracht; 
 Es wechselt Paradieseshelle 
 Mit tiefer schauervoller Nacht; 
 Es schdumt das Meer in breiten Fldssen 
 Am tiefen Crund der Felsen auf, 
 Und Fels und Meer rvird fortgerissen 
 In ewig schnellen Sphdrenlauf. 
 
 Und Stiirme grausen um die WettCy 
 
 Vom Meer aufs Land, vom Land aufs Meer, 
 
 Und bilden Tviithend eine Kette 
 
 Die tiefsten Wirkung rings umher. 
 
 Da flammt ein blitzendes Verheeren 
 
 Dem Pfade vor des Donnerschlags; 
 
 Doch deine Boten, Herr, verehren 
 
 Das sanfte Wandeln deines Tags. 
 
 Der Anblick gibt den Engeln Stdrke 
 Da J^einer dich ergriinden mag, 
 Und alle deine hohen Werkc 
 Sind herrlich, wie am ersten Tag. 
 
 GcETHE (Faust). 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 67 
 
 The sun still sings his ancient song 
 In rival music with the stars. 
 And in his predetermined path 
 He ends his course in thunder tones. 
 His visage gives the angels strength 
 When none can comprehend his ways 
 The marvelous majestic works 
 Are crowned as on the first of days. 
 
 And fast and faster in its course 
 The splendor of the world unfolds ; 
 And Eden's light doth alternate 
 With the sublimer pall of night ; 
 The foaming sea in roaring floods 
 Beats hard upon the rocky shore. 
 And rock and sea are madly torn 
 In its eternal swirl and rage. 
 
 The storm doth rage upon the plain, 
 From sea to land, from land to sea. 
 And forms a wild and maddened wave 
 Upon the deep and churning sea. 
 The lightning sweeps across the sky 
 Before its thunder-riven path; 
 Yet thy commands. Oh Lord, reveres 
 The gentle passing of thy days. 
 
 The vision gives the angels strength 
 When none can comprehend thy ways. 
 And all thy greater nobler works 
 Are crowned as on the first of days. 
 
68 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Wenn sich lau die Liifie fiillen 
 Um den griinumschrdnkten Plan 
 Siisse Diifte^ Nebelhiillen 
 Sdnl^t die Ddmmerung her an: 
 Lispelt leise siisse Frieden^ 
 Wiegl das Herz in Kindesruh, 
 Und den Augen dieses Miiden 
 Schliesst des Tages P forte zu! 
 
 Nacht ist schon hereingesunken, 
 Schliesst sich heilig Stem an Stem 
 Crosse Lichter^ ^/eine Funken 
 Clitzern nah und gldnzen fern; 
 Clitzern hier im See sich spiegelnd, 
 Cldnzen drohen kl(irer Nacht; 
 Tiefsten Ruhens Cliick hesiegelnd^ 
 Herrscht des Mondes voile Pracht. 
 
 Wunsch um Wiinsche zu erlangen, 
 Shaue nach dem Clanze dort! 
 Leise hist du nur umfangen, 
 Schlaf ist Schale, wirf sie fort! 
 Saume nicht^ dich zu erdreisten, 
 Wenn die Menge zaudernd schrveift; 
 Alles konn der Edle leisten, 
 Der versteht und rasch ergreift. 
 
 GcETHE (Faust). 
 
Translations — German Ly^rics 69 
 
 When play the gentle evening winds 
 Upon the green and lovely sw^ards, 
 With sweet perfumes and floating clouds. 
 The twilight falls upon the plain. 
 Sighs there the peaceful air of night. 
 And rocks the heart in childhood's rest, 
 While on one's weary wistful eyes 
 Will shut the golden gates of days. 
 
 Nightfall comes darkly o'er the lea. 
 Star follows star in dreamy peace. 
 And starry fires, both great and small. 
 Still glimmer far and glimmer near. 
 And glimmer on the mirror lake. 
 Or twinkle in the deep blue sky; 
 Bring happiness and rest and there 
 The moon's full splendor brightly reigns. 
 
 Whoever would fulfil his wish 
 Must look upon the glory there! 
 But lightly you are now embraced. 
 And sleep is empty, throw it hence! 
 But linger not thyself to venture 
 When sways the doubting multitude; 
 The brave achieves, then, all his task 
 Who understands and quickly acts. 
 
70 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Selig der Liebendcy 
 Der die betriibende 
 Heilsam und iibende 
 Priifung bestanden. 
 
 GcETHE (Faust) 
 
 Heute, nur heute 
 Bin ich so schbn; 
 Morgeny ach morgen 
 Muss Alles vergehn! 
 
 Nur diese Stunde 
 Bist du noch mein; 
 Sierben, ach sterben 
 Soil ich allein. 
 
 Storm. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 71 
 
 Happy the lover 
 Who can suffer 
 The sadly healing 
 Discipline of pain. 
 
 Today, and only today 
 Am I so beautiful; 
 Tomorrow, Oh tomorrow 
 Must all then vanish! 
 
 Only this hour 
 Are you still mine; 
 Only then die 
 Must I alone. 
 
72 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 CEBET 
 
 Nicht fleh* ich um den Segen ew*gen CliicJ(es, 
 Nicht fleh* ich um ein fliichtig Erdengut; 
 Git, £n>'ger, nur in Stiirmen des Ceschickes 
 Dem Ceiste Kraft und meinem Herzen Muth! 
 Den Pfad des Rechtes lass mich ruhig schreiten, 
 Ob still die Luft, oh wild die Stiirme wehn, 
 Und eines gib mir, Cott, zu alien Zeiten: 
 O, die ich libe^ lass mich gliickUch sehn! 
 
 Nur der ist arm, der einsam zieht die Pfade, 
 Vor dem hiniveg der Liehe Engel fliehn. 
 Dir, Schicl^saU Dan}(! Du hast in deiner Gnade 
 Der Lieb* und Freundschaft Segen mir verliehn. 
 O Alle, die mir Liebe je gespendet, 
 Auf Blumenauen lass sie ewig gehn, 
 Dass nie ihr Gliicf( und ihre Wonne endet! 
 O, die ich libe, lass mich gliickUch sehn! 
 
 Sie/i, ihre Freuden rvill ich jubelnd theilen! 
 Mich soil ben>egen, was ihr Herz bexvegt. 
 Ich Weiss es, meine Wunden werden heilen. 
 So lang sie mild die Hand der Liebe pflegt! 
 An ihre Freude soil mein Herz sich sonnen, 
 Wenn wel^end meines GlUckes Blumen stehn, 
 Und ihre Wonnen seien meine Wonnen, 
 O, die ich libe, lass mich glUckUch sehn! 
 
 RiTTERSHAUS. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 73 
 
 A PRAYER 
 
 I DO not ask the blessing of eternal joy, 
 I do not ask for transient earthly goods. 
 Give, Oh Eternal, in the storms of strife. 
 My heart its courage and my soul its strength. 
 The path of duty let me calmly tread. 
 When still the breeze or wild the winds about. 
 And one thing give me, God, in all my life. 
 Oh may all those be happy whom I love ! 
 
 For only he is poor, who lonely treads the path 
 Of life, away from which the love of angels flees. 
 But thanks, Oh Fate ! thou hast in grace to me 
 The blessing pure of love and friendship shown. 
 Oh, all that shower love upon my life 
 On flower meads forever let them roam. 
 And never end their joy or happiness. 
 Oh may all those be happy whom I love! 
 
 Behold, their joys I would most happy share. 
 What gently moves their hearts vnW also mine. 
 I know it now, my wounds will surely heal 
 So long as they are touched by hands of love. 
 On their bright joys my soul shall dream. 
 When withered pines my bloom of fortune dear. 
 And when their joys are happiness for me. 
 Oh may all those be happy whom I love! 
 
74 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 NUR COTT 
 
 Sieh* wie du auch dem Theuren Freund vertraut, 
 Auf dessen Trcu du sicher steis gehaut^ 
 Es gibt ein Leid — da stehst du doch allein, 
 Um einzig nur mit deinem Cott zu sein, 
 
 Und menn du^ waltend, erne Welt beivegU 
 Das grosse schuft^ das I^teine fromm gehegt^ 
 Im schwersien Kampf^ da bist du doch allein, 
 Um einzig nur in Gottes Hut zu sein, 
 
 Und stehst du vor des Lebens letztem Schmerz^ 
 Bricht einst dir selbst das feste, treue Herz, 
 Im Tod Idsst dich die ganze Welt a//ein, 
 Nur Gott Tvird schirmend ewig bei dir sein. 
 
 HULSEN. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 75 
 
 ONLY GOD 
 
 Behold, when you a friend have trusted. 
 Upon whose faith you surely builded. 
 There is one pain : you stand alone. 
 And you can only be with God. 
 
 And when you rule or move a world. 
 Create the great, or smallest things. 
 In cruel strife, you are alone. 
 And solely in the care of God. 
 
 When pain doth mark the end of life. 
 When once the firm true heart doth break. 
 At death the world leaves you alone, 
 'Tis only God may be your refuge. 
 
76 Translations — German L'^r'ics 
 
 Ihr naht euch wieder^ schwankcnde Cestalten! 
 Die friih sich einst dem triiben Blick gezeigt. 
 VersucK ich "Wohl, euch diesmal jest zu halien ? 
 FuhV ich mein Herz noch jenem Wahn geneigi? 
 Ihr drdngt euch zu! Nun gut, so magt ihr Walten, 
 Wie ihr aust Dunst und Nehel um mich steigi; 
 Mein Busen fiihlt sich jugendlich erschiittert 
 Vom Zauberhauch der euren Zug umwittert. 
 
 Ihr bringi mit euch die Bilder froher Tage, 
 Und manche liebe Schatten steigen auf; 
 Cle'ich einer alten, halbver^lungen Sage, 
 Kommt erste Lieb' und Freundschaft mit herauf; 
 Der Schmerz wird neu, es "wiederhold die Klage 
 Des Lebens labyrinthisch irren Lauf, 
 Und nennt die Cuten, die, um schone Stunden 
 Vom ClUcI^ getduscht^ vor mir hinweggeschwunden, 
 
 Sie horen nicht die folgenden Gesdnge, 
 Die Seelen, denen ich die ersten sang; 
 Zerstoben ist das freundlich Gedrdnge, 
 Verklungen, ach! der erste Wiederklang. 
 Mein Lied ertdnt der unbekannten Menge, 
 Ihr Beifall selbst macht meinem Herzen bang 
 Und rvas sich sonst an meinem Lied erfreuet, 
 Wenn es noch lebt, irrt in der Welt zerstreuet. 
 
 Und mich ergreift ein Idngst entwdhntes Sehnen 
 
 Nach jenem stillen, ernsten Geisterreich; 
 
 Es schwebet nun in unbestimmten Tdnen 
 
 Mein lispelnd Lied, der Aeolsharfe gleich; 
 
 Ein Schauer fasst mich, Thrdne folgt den Thrdnen, 
 
 Das strenge Herz, es fiihlt sich mild und weich; 
 
 Was ich besitze, seh' ich wie im Weiten, 
 
 Und Tvas verschwand, rvird mir zu WirkUchkeiten. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 11 
 
 Ye come again, ye floating mystic forms! 
 That once did early cross my troubled vision. 
 But shall I try this once to firmly grasp you? 
 Still is my soul possessed of that illusion? 
 You press me hard! So may you conquer now. 
 As out from clouds and mists you rise about me; 
 My bosom shakes with ever youthful passion 
 By magic breath that blows about your train. 
 
 You bring with you the vision now of happy days 
 
 And many lovely phantoms rise upon the lea. 
 
 And like an ancient half forgotten song 
 
 Ye bring my love and friendship back to me; 
 
 The plaintive cries of pain have come again. 
 
 To linger in the winding labyrinths of life, 
 
 And name the Good, that lighted all the finer days 
 
 Of happiness, but now have vanished far from me. 
 
 They do not listen to the songs that follow, 
 Those early friends for whom I sang the first; 
 The friendly company has passed to dust. 
 And faded far the echoes of my songs. 
 My verse is heard by unknown multitudes 
 Whose praise is only grief unto my heart; 
 And who had once rejoiced about my work, 
 If they still live, will roam the world afar. 
 
 There comes to me an old unwonted sigh 
 To feel the earnest silent spirit world. 
 My lisping song moves on in tender tones. 
 The music soft of an itolian harp; 
 A thrill breaks over me and tear on tear: 
 The strong unyielding heart in sadness melts; 
 What I may have seems far beyond the bar, 
 And what had vanished there comes back to me. 
 
78 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 MONDNACHT IM CEBIRCE 
 
 Ich schritt hinunter vom bemoosien Cipfel 
 Auf jdhem Pfade zwischen schlanl^en Tannen^ 
 Die Sonne schien noch auf die hochsten Wipfel, 
 Als tief im Thai schon Nachi und Nebel spannen. 
 
 Bald wogten dust*re Schleier mir entgegen 
 Und schlugen iiber meinem Haupt zusammen, 
 Schwer rvollte Angst sich auf das Herz mir legen, 
 Wie Strauch und Baum in Finsterniss verschwammen. 
 
 Da trat ich aus des Waldes tief stem Dunf^el 
 Und sah den Vollmond hinter breiten Matten. 
 Schrdg ging zur Seite mir im Thaugefunkel 
 Auf freier Ebne mein gedehnter Schatten. 
 
 Sennhiitten hier und dort in schonen Cruppen 
 Und rings um sie, gelagert auf den Almen, 
 Viel kraft'ge Rinder in gedrdngten Truppen, 
 Das Haupt erhebend aus den hohen Halmen, 
 
 Die tiefste Ruhe driiher ausgegossen, 
 Kein Menschenlaut und koines Hundes Bellen: 
 Der mondumhellte Lagerplatz umschlossen 
 Vom schwarzem Wald auf sanften HUgeln>ellen. 
 
 Dahinter Cletcherriicken, prdchtig flimmernd^ 
 Und Bdchlein iiber Felsenschultern fallend, 
 Wie schmaller Silberfdden magisch schimmernd^ 
 Melodisch in die Thdler niederv^allend. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 79 
 
 MOONLIGHT IN THE MOUNTAINS 
 
 I WALKED along and under mossy cliffs 
 On rugged path among the slender pines: 
 The sun still shone upon the mountain tops. 
 And in the valley deep lay clouds and night. 
 
 Soon came a hiding veil against my sight 
 And overhead shut out the light of day. 
 Then fear and terror almost seized my heart, 
 As trees and bushes swam in darkness deep. 
 
 I hastened then from out the wood's dark gloom 
 To see the full moon shining in the meadow. 
 And at my side and in the sparkling dew 
 There stretched upon the ground my shadow. 
 
 And here and there were huts in pretty groups. 
 And round about them camping on the sward 
 Were hearty kine in thickly crowded troops, 
 With heads raised haughtily above the mead. 
 
 Profoundest silence reigned upon the mountain. 
 No human sound or moaning voice of hound: 
 The moonlit camping ground was sheltered there 
 By forests dark on grassy waving hills. 
 
 Behind were glacier fields, in silver sheen. 
 And little brooks that fell o'er rocky steeps. 
 Like tiny silver threads in magic light. 
 Melodious and echoed in the valleys. 
 
80 Translations — German L})rics 
 
 Ein siisser Zauber war auf mich gef^omment 
 Ich Wusste nicht ivie meiner Brust geschehen. 
 Was ich geheim im Mondenlicht vernomment 
 Das wird mir en>ig durch die Seele gehen. 
 
 — BUBE. 
 
 Denn Wer den Besten seiner Zeit genug gethan 
 Der hat geleht fiir alle Zeiten. 
 
 Schiller. 
 
 DEN SORCENVOLLEN 
 
 Wem sich zum Erdenrveh die Sorgen noch gesellten 
 
 Der Tvandle unterm Sternenzelt; 
 Im Anschaun jenes Heers von ungezdhlten Welten 
 
 Vergisst er diese Welt. 
 
 Barthel. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 81 
 
 A sweet enchantment seized upon me there, 
 I knew not what had happened to my heart. 
 But what I felt alone in moonlight's silver glory 
 Will echo in my soul forever and forever. 
 
 He who has done the best for his own age 
 Has lived for all eternity. 
 
 FOR THE CARE-BURDENED 
 
 Whoever suffers earthly pain and care 
 Should wander under starry sky; 
 And in the vision of unnumbered stars 
 He will forget the world. 
 
82 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 BESCHEIDE DICH 
 
 Wer hdtle sich im Traume stolzer Slunden 
 Nicht einst auf Cipfeln voller Clanz gesehen? 
 Nichi tief in sich des Geisies Gotterwehen 
 Wie eines Friihlings mdchfgen Hauch empfiinden? 
 
 Dock achf bald ist der holde IVahn entschwunden; 
 Du siehst das Bild, das dich geneckt, zergehen^ 
 Musst tief in Thalesddmmerung traurig stehen^ 
 Und fUhlst den Fuss^ der aufwdrts will, gebunden. 
 
 Dann klage nicht; Nur Wenigen vorhehalten 
 Ward dieses Loos: hoch von der Menscheit Zinne 
 Ein neues Banner gloreich zu entf alien. 
 
 Thu ah den Neid! Und hellen Blicl^s beginne 
 In deinem engern Kreise frisch zu schalten, 
 Und auch das I^leine thu mit grossem Sinne. 
 
 Endrulat. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 83 
 
 HUMILITY 
 
 Who has not seen himself in proudest dreams 
 Upon the mountain tops in splendor glorious. 
 Or, like the mighty breath of spring, has felt 
 The throes divine sink deeply in his soul? 
 
 And yet the lovely dream soon fades away; 
 
 You see the fascinating vision vanish, 
 
 Stand sadly in the twilight of the valley. 
 
 And feel the strength that upward strives is bound. 
 
 Mourn not thy fate! It is reserved for few 
 
 In life, above the battlements of man, 
 
 To raise a new and glorious standard there. 
 
 Cast envy off! Begin with new resolve 
 And cheerful countenance, in smaller fields. 
 Do thou the humbler task with larger purpose. 
 
84 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 AUF DEM FRIEDHOF 
 
 Auf den Kirchhof lenki' ich meine Schritie, 
 Wo so friedlich Crab an Grab sich reiki, 
 Und das Hochkreuz in der Sieine Miite 
 Uns erinneri an die Ewigkeit. 
 
 Was im Leben sich streng geschieden, 
 Hal vereinend hier der Tod gesellt. 
 Alles athmet feierlichen Frieden, 
 Scheint beriihrt vom Hauch der Ceisterivelt. 
 
 Jedes Denkmal tragi der Liebe Ziigc, 
 Glaube hofft auf Wiedersehen dori. 
 Mii dem Tod fliegt Leidenschaft und Liige, 
 Nur Was gut und edel isi lebi fort. 
 
 Blanc KARTs. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 85 
 
 IN THE GRAVEYARD 
 
 In the church yard still I turned my steps. 
 Where so peacefully the graves are lined. 
 And the cross amidst the monuments 
 There reminds us of eternity. 
 
 What in life so sternly separates 
 Death unites in harmony and peace. 
 All exhales but happiness and joy. 
 Seeming touched by winds of Paradise. 
 
 Every monument bears lines of love. 
 Faith there hopes to meet again beyond. 
 Passion and illusion vanishes with death. 
 Only what is good and noble lives forever. 
 
86 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 ENTSCHULDICUNC 
 
 Kann ich dafiir, dass ich se'm Herz ihm raubte, 
 Als mein Cesang zur Laute ihn entziickt? 
 Kann ich dafdr^ dass er gelieht sich glaubie, 
 Als ich mein Auge freundlich angehlickt? 
 Kann ich dafiirt Tvenn meine sanfien Mienen 
 Ihm sagten: meine Seufzer gelten dir, 
 Und ihm Gervdhrung zu verheissen sc/iienen, 
 Kann ich dajiir? 
 
 Und wenn ich einst in trauier Mondnachtsiunde, 
 An seiner Schulter warm mein Kopfchen hielt, 
 Kann ich dafUr, dass er gelieht sich glauhie, 
 Geschloss^nen Auges, einen Kuss gefiihlt? 
 Und dass ich schwieg, als mich sein Arm umschlungen, 
 Wie deute ich nur dieses Rdthsel mir? 
 — Just hat die Nachtigall so sdss gesungen — 
 Kann ich dafiir? 
 
 Kann ich dafiir^ dass, du, der so vermessen, 
 Fdr Idngstentschwund'nes noch Errinnrung hast? 
 Kann ich dafiir, dass ich schon Idngst vergessen. 
 Was mir so fremd k^ingt, rvie ein Mdrchen fast? 
 Und wenn ein And'rer hesser mir gef alien 
 Und es herauscht mich, schwdrt er Liebe mir 
 Und kUsst mich beim Gesang der Nachtigallen, 
 Kann ich dafiir? 
 
 PoDL. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 87 
 
 EXCUSES 
 
 Am I to blame because I gained his heart 
 And ravished him with songs upon the lute? 
 Am I to blame because he thought he loved 
 When I did gaze on him with friendly eyes ? 
 Am I to blame because my tender look 
 Did say to him: ' My sighs are all for you ', 
 And seemed to give the promise of my heart, 
 Am I to blame? 
 
 And when I once in lovely moonlight hour. 
 Did hold my head upon his shoulder warm, 
 Am I to blame, if I did feel a kiss 
 Upon my lips, with eyes so sweetly closed? 
 And sat so still when he embraced me there. 
 How can I solve this riddle to myself? 
 — TTie nightingale just sang its song so sweet — 
 Am I to blame? 
 
 Am I to blame because you rashly hold 
 In memory what faded long ago? 
 Am I to blame because I've long forgotten 
 What sounds so strange to me, a fairy tale? 
 And when another now has pleased me better 
 And charmed me, swearing all his love for me. 
 And kissed me when we heard the nightingale. 
 Am I to blame? 
 
88 Translations — German L]}rics 
 
 In den Stiirmen dieser Ze'ii 
 Ohne Clauben^ ohne Frieden^ 
 Ohne Herz und FreudigkeiU 
 /s<, O See/e, dir beschieden 
 Durch der Dichtl^unst Zaubermacht, 
 Was allein nur lohnt das Leben: 
 Still begliickt und still ergeben^ 
 Wie ein Traum dahin zu schiveben 
 Ueber ird'sche Pein und Nacht, 
 
 Cerri. 
 
 So lange Tvir vertrauen 
 Auf unsren eig'nen Muth^ 
 Und hoffen vorivdrts schauen. 
 So lang ist Alles gut. 
 Und sei dies Hoffen, sehnen 
 Auch nur ein schoner Traum, 
 Zu irocknen deine Thrdnen, 
 Gib ihm im Herzen Raum. 
 
 Cerri. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 89 
 
 In the storms of passing life. 
 Lacking faith and lacking peace. 
 Wanting hope and happiness 
 Granted is to thee, Oh Soul! 
 By the poet's magic art. 
 Which alone can bless our days. 
 Still inspired and still devoted. 
 Like a dream away to glide 
 Over earthly pain and grief. 
 
 So long as we can trust 
 Our courage firm to feel. 
 And hoping forwards look, 
 So long is all for good. 
 And if this longing hope 
 Is but enchanted dream. 
 To dry our bitter tears. 
 Give it a place in life. 
 
90 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Heuie traurig, morgen muntery 
 Das isi der Dinge Lauf; 
 Sinkt auch die Sonne unier^ 
 So geKn die Sterne auf! 
 
 Cerri. 
 
 IVie konnC leicht den Menschen rverden 
 Das ersehnte voile Cliicl(, 
 Wollte nur der Mensch auf Erden 
 Grosser sein ah sein Geschicl^! 
 
 Cerri. 
 
Translations — -German Lyrics 91 
 
 Today in pain, tomorrow happy. 
 This is the course of life; 
 And when the sun is setting. 
 The brilliant stars are rising! 
 
 How easy would it be 
 His happiness to sate. 
 If only man on earth 
 Were greater than his fate. 
 
92 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 RESIGNATION 
 
 Wend* ich aufs Vergangne 
 Priifend mich zuriick: 
 Trifft auf schwarz behangne 
 Sdrge nur me'in Blic^. 
 
 Schau ich in das Heute, 
 Was geTvahr ich darin? 
 Alles Leben deute 
 Auf Verrvandlung hin. 
 
 Unerforschter Weiien 
 Ddmmerung verschliessU 
 Was in femen Zeiten 
 Mir bereitet ist. 
 
 Und so schiff* ich und lenk* ich 
 Durch die Nacht dahin; 
 Wohlgemuth bedenk* ich 
 Welch em Nichts ich bin. 
 
 Lasst unst Jvas auch drdue^ 
 Weil rvir das versfe/in, 
 Ohne Furcht und Reue 
 Ldchelnd untergehn. 
 
 Feuchtersleben. 
 
Translations — German L))rics 93 
 
 RESIGNATION 
 
 I TURN upon the past 
 With ever searching look. 
 And only stumble there 
 On charred corpses. 
 
 I gaze into today, 
 What find I there? 
 My life and hopes 
 Point to decay. 
 
 Unseen and distant climes 
 Conceal yet in the dawn. 
 What future times now hold 
 In store for me. 
 
 And so I shuffle on 
 Into the dusky night. 
 Calmly gayly feeling 
 The nothingness of man. 
 
 Let us, whatever threats. 
 Because we know it well. 
 Without remorse or fear 
 Laughing seek the grave. 
 
94 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 VOLKSWEISE 
 
 Was ist es mil dem Lehen 
 Doch fiir 'ne arge Noih, 
 Muss leiden und muss sterben 
 Zuleizt den bittern Tod. 
 
 Kam ich doch auf die Erden 
 Canz ohne Wunsch und Will\ 
 Ich Weiss es nicht von rvannen, 
 Und k^nn nicht Zn>eck noch Ziel. 
 
 Es tritt die bunten Auen 
 Nur einmal unser FusSy 
 Fiir k^rze Zeit nur tauschen 
 Wir HdndedrucJ^ und Cruss. 
 
 Und Was uns auch von Freuden 
 Und Leiden zugervandt. 
 Das mehret und das mindert 
 Sich unter Menschenhand. 
 
 Drum lasset uns in Freundschaft 
 Einander recht verstehn 
 Die k^rze Slrec^e IVeges, 
 Die wir zusammengehn ! 
 
 Anzengruber. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 95 
 
 What is this earthly life 
 But painful bitter loss? 
 Must suffer and must die 
 Upon the cruel cross. 
 
 I came upon the earth 
 Without my wish or will. 
 I know not when or whence, 
 And see no haven still. 
 
 We walk the downy meads 
 But once in gentle bliss. 
 For one brief day exchange 
 Our greeting and a kiss. 
 
 And what we feel of joy 
 And sorrow in our needs 
 Is lessened or increased 
 By force of human deeds. 
 
 In friendship let us, then. 
 Each other understand, 
 The short sad path of life 
 To wander hand in hand. 
 
96 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 FELDEINSAMKEIT 
 
 Ich ruhe still im hohen griinen Cras 
 Und sende lange meinen BlicJ^ nach oben. 
 Von Crillen rings umschwirrt ohn Unterlass, 
 Von Himmelsbldue wundersam umrvoben. 
 
 Und schone weisse Woll^cn ziehn dahin 
 Durchs tiefe Blau, n>ie schone stille Trdume; 
 Mir is/, als ob ich Idngst gestorben bin, 
 Und ziehe selig mit durch ew'ge Rdume. 
 
 Allmers. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 97 
 
 ALONE IN THE FIELD 
 
 I LIE upon the velvet sward 
 
 And turn afar my gaze above. 
 
 With crickets singing shrilly everywhere. 
 
 The azure blue in wonder woven deeps. 
 
 And beautiful white clouds float by 
 Like fairy dreams across the vale, 
 And I like one long since deceased 
 In happy flight on through eternal space. 
 
98 Translations — German L'^r'ics 
 
 CABE 
 
 Alles hinzugeben 
 1st der Liebe Brauch; 
 N'lmm denn bin mein Leben, 
 Und mein Sterben auch! 
 
 Aller meiner Lieder 
 Sanften Schmeichellaut^ 
 Die ein Eden Tvieder 
 Sich aust Schutt erbaut; 
 
 Alle Lichtgedan^en^ 
 Die an Gliick und Leid 
 Kiihn sich aufn>drts ranl^en 
 In die Eivigkeit; 
 
 All mein stilles Sehnen, 
 Innig dir vertraut. 
 Das in seVgen Thrdnen 
 Auf dich niederthautf 
 
 Nimm, dass nichts dir jehle^ 
 Wenn die Stunde ruft, 
 Meine game Seele 
 Hin als Opferduft! 
 
 Paoli, 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 99 
 
 DEVOTION * 
 
 e 
 
 All to thee to give 
 Is still the way of love ; 
 Take, then, hence my liL 
 And too my death for thee! 
 
 All my tender songs 
 Of holy v^orship here. 
 That build their Eden joys 
 From only heaps of earth; 
 
 All the splendid thoughts 
 That gleam in joy and pain. 
 And boldly upward look 
 Into eternity; 
 
 All my silent hopes 
 And deeper trust in thee. 
 That in my happy tears 
 As dewdrops fall on thee ! 
 
 Take, that nothing fail. 
 And when the hour calls. 
 My soul and all it is. 
 As incense fragrance thine! 
 
 *In translating Paoli's poem I hare not followed the metre of the 
 original in all instances. 
 
100 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 JUCENDLIEDE 
 
 Seitdem du mich verlassen hat 
 Verliess mich auch der Schlummer^ 
 Unrast ward mein bestdndiger Cast, 
 Mein Bettgenoss der Kummer. 
 
 Ich glauh\ auch du hast viel geweint, 
 Dein Auge sah ich gldnzen; 
 Nun bist du ruhig, Tvie es scheint, 
 Und fdhrst zu Spiel und Tdnzen. 
 
 Da stellt ich mich ans Treppenhaus 
 Ins gaffende Gedrdnge; 
 Ein Wagen hielt^ du stiegst heraus, 
 Und Lob ging durch die Menge. 
 
 Wie schien dein Putz zum Hohn mir gar! 
 Anstatt der M^rtenkrone, 
 Die einst ich trdumt, umfing dein Haar 
 Ein Kranz von rotem Mohne. 
 
 Die Blume der Vergessenheit 
 Trugst du mit Lachen und Scherzen^ 
 Da dacht* ich der vergangnen Zeit 
 Und sprach zum klopfenden Herzen : 
 
 HeuV macht sie Cliickt den leicht und bunt 
 Trdgt sie im Haargefiechte^ 
 Als SchmucJ^ fiir eine lustige Stund\ 
 Den Schlummer meiner Ndchte.** 
 
 HOPFEN. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 101 
 
 YOUTHFUL LOVE 
 
 Since you abandoned me. 
 Sleep has deserted me, 
 Unrest my constant guest 
 My bed compemion, grief. 
 
 I think you also wept, 
 I saw your eyes agleaming; 
 You are at peace, it seems 
 And join in play and dancing. 
 
 I stood upon the stair 
 And watched the gaping throng, 
 A coach halts there with you. 
 And cheers burst from the crowd. 
 
 How scornful seemed your dress! 
 Instead the myrtle crown 
 I dreamed, sat on your hair 
 A crown of poppies red. 
 
 The flowers of oblivion 
 You bore with smiles and laughter, 
 I thought of vanished times 
 And spoke my throbbing heart: 
 
 ** Today she has her happiness 
 And in her woven hair she wears. 
 As jewel for the happy time. 
 The slumber of my nights.** 
 
02 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 EIN KLEINES LIED 
 
 Ein l^leines Lied^ Tvie gehfs nur an 
 Dass man lo lieb es haben l^ann. 
 Was liegt dar'm? Erzdhle! 
 
 Es liegt darin ein wenig Klang, 
 Ein wenig Wohllaut und Gesang, 
 Und eine ganze Seele. 
 
 ESCHENBACH. 
 
 Es k<^nn die Ehre dieser Welt 
 Dir keine Ehre geben. 
 Was dich in Wahrheit hebt and halt. 
 Muss in der selber leben. 
 
 FONTANE. 
 
 Mein Herz gleicht ganz dem Meere, 
 Hat Sturm und Ebb' und Flut, 
 Und manche schone Perle 
 In seiner Tiefe ruht. 
 
 Heine. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 103 
 
 A LITTLE SONG 
 
 A LITTLE song, how happens it 
 That man will love it so? 
 O tell me what this means. 
 
 It means a little sound, 
 
 A little rhyme and rhythm. 
 
 And all his soul. 
 
 The honor of the world 
 Will give no fame to you. 
 What truly moves and holds 
 Must live within your soul. 
 
 My heart is like the sea. 
 Its tides of ebb and flow. 
 And many lovely pearls 
 Are lying in its deeps. 
 
04 Translations — German L^rid 
 
 Dich suchen meines Ceists Gedanken; 
 Dich sucht mein Traum in dunkler Nachtf 
 Es ist ein tiefgeheimes Krankcn 
 Und Wonne dochy die selig macht! 
 
 Wo ich auch geh\ auf alien Wegen 
 Dein Bild vor meiner seele steht. 
 Ein Gruss an dich — mein morgensegen! 
 Ein Wunsch fiir dich — mein Nachtgehel! 
 
 RiTTERSHAUS. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 105 
 
 I see you daily in my thoughts; 
 I seek you nightly in my dreams ; 
 It is a deep and sacred pain 
 And yet the thrill of happiness. 
 
 Wherever I go in all the world 
 The visage floats before my soul. 
 A kiss for thee, my morning thought 
 A wish for thee, my evening prayer. 
 
06 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 IM WALDE 
 
 Einsam schreit* ich durch den Wald^ 
 Und der Voglein Lieder 
 Rauschen wie ein Liebeswori 
 Aus dem Zn>eigen nieder. 
 
 Einsam schreit' ich durch den Wald^ 
 Und der Blumen Diifte 
 Sduseln iPie ein Liehes^uss 
 Durch die MorgenlUfte. 
 
 Einsam schreit' ich durch den Wald, 
 Und die Wasser rinnen. 
 Bis Cesang und Klang und Duft 
 Sich zum Traum verspinnen. 
 
 Und n>as Idngst hegrahen ruht 
 Unterm Kirchhofflieder : 
 Jugendgliick und Seligkeit 
 Find' im Wald ich rvieder. 
 
 BOWITCH. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 107 
 
 IN THE WOODS 
 
 I WANDER lonely in the wood 
 And songs of birdlings sweet 
 From out the branches whisper there 
 And charm like words of love. 
 
 I wander lonely in the wood. 
 And fragrance of the flowers 
 Float like a lover's kiss 
 Upon the morning wind. 
 
 I wander lonely in the wood, 
 And waters babble there 
 Till song, perfume, and sound 
 May end their lives in dreams. 
 
 And what has long been lost 
 Within the church yard rest ; 
 The happiness of youth 
 I find again in woodlands. 
 
108 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Herr! schicke was du Tvillt, 
 Ein Liebes oder Leides; 
 Ich bin vergniigty dass beides 
 Aus deinem Hdnden quilll. 
 
 Wollest mil Freuden 
 Und Wollest mit Leiden 
 Mich nicht iiberschiitten ! 
 Dock in der Mitten 
 Liegt holdes Bescheiden. 
 
 MORIKE. 
 
 Ich glaub* nicht an die Dauer 
 Jenseits der Kirchhofsmauer, 
 Doch wUnsch' ich nur so viel 
 Mir als das letzte Ziel 
 Wenn abgethan des Lebens Last 
 Zu fiihlen meine tiefe Rast. 
 
 LoRM. 
 
Translations — German L'^rics 1 09 
 
 God! send me what thou willst 
 
 Either love or sorrow ; 
 
 I am content that both 
 
 Do spring from out thy hands. 
 
 Would you with joy 
 Would you with sorrow 
 Me not o'erburden ! 
 And yet between the two 
 There lies humility. 
 
 I don't believe in any life 
 Beyond the church yard wall. 
 And yet I only wish this much 
 To have as my last hope: 
 When life has ended all its toil. 
 To /ee/ my deep and peaceful rest. 
 
Translations — German Ly^rics 
 
 DER ENTSACENDE 
 
 Fahrrvohl! Fahrn>ohl; Und ohne Klage 
 Reich' ich zum Abschied dir die Hand. 
 Kein Wort und k^ine Miene sage. 
 Was tief fiir dich mein Herz Empfand. 
 
 Hinausziehn will ich in die Feme 
 Und suchen, rvo ein stilles Thai 
 Verschrviegen schauen Idsst die Sterne 
 Herah auf meine Liehe QuaL 
 
 Da rvill ich einsam ruhn und sinnen 
 Der Zeiten, da ich selig Tvar, 
 Und wenn vom Aug' die thranen rinnen, 
 Dich segnen, segnen immerdar .... 
 
 Vergessen mag ich sein, verschollen, 
 Und wenn du strahlst im hellen Cliicl(, 
 Ruf nichts den ervig Kummervollen 
 In dein Ceddchtniss dir zuriick' 
 
 Ja, Wenn ich niedersin}{ zu sterhen, 
 Und Todesschweiss die Stirne thaut: 
 Nie Tvird fiir mich um Mitleid werhen 
 Der Slerheglocl^e triiher Laut. 
 
 Und nie erhdltst du eine Kunde, 
 Wo man des Lehens mdd* und matt 
 Den armen Dulder in dem Grunde 
 Des stillen Grabs versenket hat. 
 
 Wehl. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 RENUNCIATION 
 
 Farewell ! Farewell ! without a plaint 
 I reach to you my hand. Adieu! 
 No word, no look can ever tell 
 How deeply feels my heart for you. 
 
 And now I flee into a distant land 
 Lone seeking there the quiet vale 
 That lets the stars in silence deep 
 Look on the grief of broken love. 
 
 There I shall rest and think alone 
 Of times when I was happy once. 
 And when the tears bedew my eyes. 
 Then thee I shall forever bless. 
 
 Forgotten let me be, or lost, 
 And when you thrill in happiness. 
 Call nothing back to memory 
 Of him who ever lives in grief. 
 
 And when at last I come to die. 
 And moisture cold bedecks my brow. 
 May mournful sound of tolling bells 
 Bring no compassion there for me. 
 
 May you not know the lonely spot 
 Where man has thrown the sufferer. 
 So tired of life and faint of heart. 
 Into the silence of the grave. 
 
1 1 2 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 AN DIE FREIHEIT 
 
 FreiheiU die ich meine^ 
 Die mein Herz erfiillU 
 Komm mit deinem Scheme, 
 Siisses Engclbild. 
 
 Magst du nie dich zeigen, 
 Der bedrdngten Welt ? 
 Fiihrest deinen Reigen 
 Nur am Sternenzelt? 
 
 Auch bei griinen Bdumen 
 In dem lusV gen IVald, 
 Unter Bliitentrdumen 
 1st dein Aufenthalt, 
 
 Ach! das isl ein Leben, 
 Wenn es Weht und k^J^SU 
 Wenn dein stilles Web en 
 Wonnig uns durchdringt. 
 
 Wenn die Blatter rauschen 
 Siissen Freundesgruss, 
 Wenn wir Blicke iauschen, 
 LiebesTvort und Kuss. 
 
 Aber immer rveiter 
 Nimmt das Herz den Lauf, 
 Auf der Himmelsleiter 
 Steigt die Sehnsucht auf. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 1 3 
 
 ON FREEDOM 
 
 Liberty, I feel, 
 And it fills my heart; 
 Come, then, with thy light. 
 My sweet angel form. 
 
 Mayst not show thyself 
 To the troubled world? 
 Guidest thou thy course 
 Only with the stars. 
 
 By the leafy trees 
 In the lusty woods. 
 Under flower dreams 
 Is thy gentle home. 
 
 Ah ! but that is life. 
 When it blows and sings. 
 When thy silent weaving 
 Joyous brings us peace. 
 
 When leaves are rustling 
 Sweet and friendly greeting. 
 When we change our glances. 
 Loving words and kisses. 
 
 Ever forward then 
 Takes the heart its path, 
 On the heavens' leading 
 Longing ever rises. 
 
1 4 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Aus den stillen Kreisen 
 Kommt mein HirtenJ^ind, 
 Will der Welt beiveisen 
 Was er denl^t und minnt. 
 
 Bliiht ihm dock ein Garten, 
 Reift ihm doch ein Feld 
 Auch in jener harten 
 Steinerbauten Welt. 
 
 • Wo sich Gottesflamme 
 In ein Herz gesenkt. 
 Das am alten Stamme 
 Treu und liebend hdngt. 
 
 Wo sich manner finden. 
 Die fur ehr und Recht 
 Muthig sich verbinden; 
 Weilt ein frei Geschlecht, 
 
 Hinter dun^eln W alien, 
 Hinter ehrnem Thor 
 Kann das Herz noch schwellen 
 Zu dem Licht empor. 
 
 Fiir die Kirchenhallen, 
 Fiir die Vdter graft, 
 Fiir die liebsten fallen, 
 Wenn die Freiheit ruft. 
 
 Das ist rechtes Ctiihen, 
 Frisch und rosenroth; 
 Heldenwangen bliihen 
 Schoner auf im Tod. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 1 5 
 
 From the quiet home 
 Comes my shepherd child. 
 Who will show the world 
 What he thinks and loves. 
 
 Gardens bloom for him, 
 Ripen also fields. 
 And in stony hard 
 Rigid rockbuilt worlds. 
 
 Where the light of God 
 Sinks into the heart. 
 Hangs on ancient stock 
 Lovingly and true. 
 
 Where those men are found 
 Who for right and honor 
 Bravely stand together. 
 Dwells a nation free. 
 
 Back of darkened walls. 
 Back of iron doors, 
 Souls will nobly rise 
 To the light above. 
 
 For the sacred temples. 
 For the fathers' graves. 
 For the loved that fall, 
 When our freedom calls. 
 
 That is noble passion, 
 Fresh and ruddy heat: 
 Heroes faces glow 
 Beautiful in death. 
 
16 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 Wollest auf uns lenl^en 
 Cottes Lieb' und LusU 
 Wollest gern dich senl^en 
 In die deutche Brust! 
 
 Freiheit, holdes JVesen^ 
 Cldubig, ki^hn und zart. 
 Hast ja lang erlesen 
 Dir die deutche Art. 
 
 SCHENKENDORF. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 1 7 
 
 Will you turn to us 
 God's pure love and joy. 
 Will you gladly warm 
 
 Every German breast ! 
 
 * 
 Freedom, gentle soul. 
 Faithful, brave and tender. 
 Thou hast long elected 
 For the German race. 
 
8 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 IN EINER STERNENNACHT 
 
 Wdhrend rechts im fernen Dunkel 
 Cold'ne Sterne n/eJersin^en, 
 Steigen Sterne mit Gefunkel 
 Hinter Bergen auf zur Linden. 
 
 Was sich Idsst im Himmel sehen^ 
 Zeigt sich unten auch im Leben: 
 Sterne miissen untergehen, 
 Sollen Sterne sich erhehen. 
 
 BuBE. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 1 9 
 
 While in the west in distant gloom 
 The golden stars sink out of view. 
 Come rising stars, in brilliant light 
 Behind the mountains in the east. 
 
 And what we see in heaven's arch. 
 Comes also here upon the earth: 
 Some stars must set in darkling night 
 Should others rise into the sky. 
 
120 Translations — Ccrman Lyirics 
 
 ABENDLIED 
 
 Abend wird es Ti>iedcr: 
 
 Ueber Wald und Ftld 
 
 Sduseli Frieden nieder, 
 
 Und es ruht die Welt. 
 
 Nur der Bach ergiesset 
 Sich am Felsen dort, 
 Und er braust und Fliesset 
 Immer, immer fort. 
 
 Und f(ein Abend bringet 
 Frieden ihm und Ruh\ 
 Keine GlocJ^e I^linget 
 Ihm ein Rasilied zu. 
 
 So in deinem Streben 
 Bist, mein Herz, auch du: 
 Gott J(ann nur geben 
 Wahre AbendruK. 
 
 Fallersleben. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 121 
 
 Evening comes again: 
 Over wood and plain 
 Peaceful zephyrs blow. 
 Nature all at rest. 
 
 Only brooks are pouring 
 O'er their rocky beds. 
 Babbling, flowing there 
 Ever and forever. 
 
 But no evening brings 
 Peace and rest to them, 
 And no bells will ring 
 Slumber songs for them. 
 
 So in strife and grief 
 Livest thou, my heart. 
 Only God can give 
 Thee true evening peace. 
 
122 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 FALLERSLEBEN 
 
 Nur Tver die Sehnsuchi k^nnU 
 
 WeisSt n>as ich leide! 
 
 Allein und abgetrennt 
 
 Von aller Freude, 
 
 Seh* ich ans Firmament 
 
 Nach jener Seite. 
 
 Ach! der mich liebt und ^enn/, 
 
 1st in der Weite. 
 
 Es schivindelt mir, es brennt 
 
 Mein EingeTi>eide. 
 
 Nur Tver die Sehnsucht l(ennt 
 
 Weiss, "Was ich leide, 
 
 Ggethe. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 123 
 
 He only knows my longing 
 
 Who knows my sorrows! 
 
 Alone and severed now 
 
 From every joy, 
 
 I gaze into the sky, 
 
 The other land. 
 
 Who knows and loves me 
 
 Is far away. 
 
 I live in dizzy grief. 
 
 With burning heart. 
 
 He only knows my longing 
 
 Who knows my sorrows. 
 
124 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 ABENDFRIEDE 
 
 Schwebe, Mond^ in tiefen Blau 
 Ueber Bergeshohn, 
 Sprudle Wasser, blinke Thau. 
 Nacht, wie bist du schon! 
 
 Spiegle, See, den reinen Strahl; 
 Friede athmend lind 
 Durch das Xi^iesenhelle Thai 
 Walle, weicher Wind! 
 
 Wie durch ein Zauberschlag 
 Bin ich ungestimmt 
 Von Cedanken, die der Tag 
 Bringi und wieder nimmt. 
 
 Dass es auch ein Sterben gibt, 
 FuhV ich ohne Schmerz, 
 Was ich Hebe, was mich liebt, 
 Ceht mir still durchs Herz. 
 
 ElCHRODT. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 125 
 
 Moonlight in the azure deep. 
 Over mountain heights. 
 Water sparkles, dewdrops twinkle. 
 Night, how beautiful ! 
 
 Silver beams upon the lake. 
 Peace softly breathing. 
 Through the grassy meadow vale 
 Blows a gentle wind! 
 
 Thus as by a magic wand 
 I bewildered am 
 By the thoughts that now the day 
 Brings and takes again. 
 
 That I have to die 
 Painlessly I feel, 
 What I love and what loves me 
 Calmly moves my heart. 
 
126 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 ERSTER VERLUST 
 
 Ach, Wer bringi die schonen Tage, 
 Jene Tage der ersien Liebe^ 
 Ach, Tver bringt nur eine Stunde 
 Jener holden Zeii zuriick! 
 
 Einsam n'dhr ich meine IVunde^ 
 Und mit stets erneuter Klage 
 Traur ich urns vcrlorne Cliick. 
 Ach, Tver bringt die schonen Tage, 
 Jener holden Zeit zuriick! 
 
 GCETHE, 
 
Translations — German L^ics 127 
 
 Oh, who will bring the lovely days. 
 Those early days of love. 
 Oh, who will bring a single hour 
 Of that tender time again. 
 
 Alone I nourish now my wounds. 
 And with an ever growing plaint 
 I mourn for my lost happiness. 
 Oh, who will bring the lovely days, 
 Of that tender age again. 
 
28 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 BITTE 
 
 Wenn meine letzte Stunde schldgty 
 Tragi mich ans Meer^ das blaue^ 
 Dass ich^ eK man ins Grab mich IcgU 
 Das Meer noch einmal schaue. 
 
 Dass vor der Todesdunkdheil, 
 Mil sterbemattem Auge, 
 Den Glanz ich der Unendlichkeit 
 Noch einmal in mich sauge. 
 
 Dass vor der unbegrenzten Flut 
 Mich Ahnung hold umn>ehe, 
 Und ich mil hoffnungsvollem Muth 
 Von dieser Erde gehe! 
 
 Wenn meine letzte Stunde schl'dgty 
 Tragt michy ans Meer, das blaue, 
 Dass ich, eh' man ins Grab mich legt. 
 Das Meer noch einmal schaue. 
 
 WOERMAN. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 129 
 
 A PRAYER 
 
 When time calls for the hour of death. 
 Carry me to the deep blue sea. 
 Let me look, e'er I am laid to rest. 
 Once more upon the ocean wave. 
 
 And when the darkened face of death 
 Dims the dying wearied eyes. 
 May I once more draw unto me 
 The splendor of infinity. 
 
 There let the boundless sea 
 Move tenderly my sighs, 
 And let me pass from earthly life 
 With brave and hopeful heart. 
 
 When time calls for the hour of death. 
 Carry me to the deep blue sea. 
 Let me look, e'er I am laid to rest. 
 Once more upon the ocean wave. 
 
30 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Nicht genug isCs edel Denk^n, 
 Edles Schaffen muss der man, 
 Cliicklich wem die Siunden schenken 
 Cotter dass er*s Uben k^^nn. 
 
 Dock den Cotiem gleich zu Tvandeln 
 Seines Lebens Wege hin, 
 Weiss nur wen hei edlem Handeln 
 Leitet auch ein edler Sinn, 
 
 Thomas. 
 
 So einsam ist es um mich her. 
 
 So friedlich und so stdU 
 
 Wenn nicht das Leid im Herzen war\ 
 
 Das nimmer schweigen will, 
 
 Greif. 
 
Translations — Cerman Lyrics 1 3 1 
 
 Noble thought is not enough, 
 Noble action makes the man. 
 Happy he to whom the gods 
 Send the hours for his deeds. 
 
 And yet to wander like the gods 
 His life unto its end 
 Knows only whom in noble acts 
 A noble sense of honor leads. 
 
 So silent is it with me here, 
 So peaceful and so still, 
 But for the pain in lover's heart 
 That never silence will. 
 
32 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 Du hist die Ruh\ 
 Der Friede mild^ 
 Die Sehnsucht du^ 
 Und Was sie stilli. 
 
 Ich n>eihe dir 
 Voll Lust und Schmerz 
 ZuT Wohnung hier 
 Mein Aug' und Herz. 
 
 Kehr ein bei miV, 
 Und schliesse du 
 Still hinter dir 
 Die Pforte zu. 
 
 Treib andern Schmerz 
 Aus dieser Brust! 
 Voll sei dies Herz 
 Von deiner Lust. 
 
 Dies Augenzelt, 
 Von deiner Clanz 
 Allein erhellt, 
 O fall es ganz! 
 
 RUCKERT. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 33 
 
 Thou art my rest. 
 And tender peace. 
 The sigh of joy 
 And calmest it. 
 
 I vow to you 
 
 In joy and pain 
 For dwelling here 
 My mind and heart. 
 
 Turn then to me. 
 And close for me 
 Behind thee, dear, 
 The gates of love. 
 
 Drive other pain 
 From out this breast. 
 This heart be full 
 Of joy for you. 
 
 My tender eyes. 
 Thy loving gaze 
 Alone illumes. 
 Oh, fill my heart. 
 
I 34 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 HEIMKEHR 
 
 Entfemte Glocken k^angen 
 Herauf den siillen 5ee. — 
 Weiss nicht, was sie mir sangen, 
 Mir Tvard so tpohlt so rveh! 
 
 Verxvorrne Stimmen riefen. 
 Das Ufer lag so fern, 
 Der Wind, die Wellen schliefen, 
 Und durch des Himmels Tiefen 
 Schoss ein verirrter Stem, 
 
 Der Mond mit hellem Blic^e 
 Durchmass die Fluten Tveit, — 
 Wohl auf die Strahlenbriicke 
 Cing sanft gelost zuriic^e 
 Ein Herz zur Eivigf^eit. 
 
 Kalbeck. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 133 
 
 The distant bells did sound 
 Upon the silent sea, — 
 I know not whence they came, 
 Nor what they sang to me, 
 I was so joyed, so sad ! 
 
 Confusing voices called. 
 The shore was far away. 
 The wind, the waves asleep. 
 And through the azure deep 
 There shot a falling star. 
 
 The moon, with splendid vision. 
 Shone o'er the distant main, — 
 Upon its gleaming passage 
 A soul passed gently free 
 Into eternity. 
 
36 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 BITTE 
 
 Weil auf mir, du dunkles Auge, 
 Ube deine ganze Macht, 
 Emste, milde, trdumerischcy 
 Unergriindlich, sUsse Nachi. 
 
 Nimm mit deinem Zauherdunkel 
 Diese Welt von hinnen mir, 
 Dass du iiber meinem Leben 
 Einsam schwebesi fiir und fiir. 
 
 Lenau. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 3 7 
 
 A PRAYER 
 
 Dwell with me, Oh lovely view. 
 Use then all thy noble might. 
 Earnest, gentle, dreaming 
 Sweet mysterious night. 
 
 Take the world with magic force. 
 Far away from me to sever, 
 So that you may rule my life 
 Alone forever and forever. 
 
1 38 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Einem Cott gleich zieK ich ungebunden 
 Durch die Friihlingslande auf und nieder; 
 Alle W alder, alle Felsenf^lijfie 
 Rufen schallend meine Lieder wieder. 
 
 FlUgel mochi' ich noch den Winden leihen, 
 Feuer mochf ich in die Sterne iragen; 
 Tausend Strudelquellen, tausend Strome 
 Mochf ich jauchzend aus dem Felsen schlagen. 
 
 Ja, der ersten Liehe heiVge Cluthen 
 Schlagen iiber meinem Haupt zusammen, 
 Und die Erde und die Himmel alle 
 Gliihen mil in diesen Opjerfiammen. 
 
 Frey. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 39 
 
 Like divinity I wander free 
 Up and down the glades of spring, 
 AH the woodlands, all the cliffs 
 Echo back my songs again. 
 
 Wings would I give the winds, 
 
 Fire would I bear the stars ; 
 
 Springs by thousands, and a thousand brooks 
 
 Would I, longing, burst from rocks. 
 
 And indeed the primal flame of love 
 Breaks in blessings o'er my head. 
 And the earth and heaven all 
 Glowing brightly in the altar fires. 
 
1 40 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 SPAZIERCANC 
 
 Ich mochte gem den ganzen Tag 
 Im LenzesTPehn 
 
 Be'i Finkenpfiff und Lerchenschlag 
 Voll Freuden gehn. 
 
 Vor jedem Bliimchen auf der Au 
 Still niederknien, 
 
 Der Erde Crijn, des Himmels Blau 
 Still in mich ziehn. 
 
 O Seligkeit, du fullst mir ganz 
 Die freie Brustf 
 
 Wenn langst voriiber all der Clanz, 
 Bleibt deine Lust. 
 
 Heller. 
 
Translations — Cerman Lyrics 14 
 
 A WALK 
 
 I WANDER gladly all the day, 
 In winds of spring, 
 With song of finch and lark, 
 Go full of joy. 
 
 I calmly kneel upon the green 
 Before the flowers. 
 And bring to me the meads of earth 
 And azure deep. 
 
 Oh happiness ! You make quite full 
 The freeborn breast! 
 When thy splendor long is past. 
 Thy joy remains. 
 
1 42 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 DAS SCHEIDEN 
 
 Wenn sich zwei Herzen scheiden. 
 Die sich dereinst geliebU 
 Das ist ein grosses Leiden^ 
 Wie's grossres nimmer gibt. 
 Es k^mU^ ^fls Wort so traurig gar: 
 Fahrwohl, fahrfvohl auf immerdar! 
 Wenn sich zrvei Herzen scheiden. 
 Die sich dereinst gelieht. 
 
 Als ich zuerst empfunden, 
 Dass Liehe hrechen mag: 
 Mir War's als sei verschwunden 
 Die Sonn am hellen Tag. 
 Mir klcing's im Ohre rvunderbar : 
 FahrwohU iahrrvohl auf immerdar! 
 Da ich zuerst empfunden, 
 Dass Liebe brechen mag. 
 
 Mein Friihling ging zur Riiste, 
 Ich Weiss es wohl warum; 
 Die Lippe die mich ^tiss/e, 
 Ist worden kiihl und stumm. 
 Das eine Wort nur sprach sie kl^r: 
 Fahrwohl, fahrwohl auf immerdar! 
 Mein Friihling ging zur Riiste, 
 Ich Weiss es Wohl warum. 
 
 Geibel. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 143 
 
 SEPARATION 
 
 When two hearts part 
 That once have loved. 
 There comes a bitter sorrow 
 Than which no greater weeps. 
 So sadly sound the words, 
 Farewell, farewell forever! 
 When two hearts part 
 That once have loved. 
 
 When I first felt 
 That love might break. 
 It was as if the sun 
 Had vanished from the sky. 
 I heard the awesome voice. 
 Farewell, farewell forever! 
 When I first felt 
 That love might break. 
 
 My spring has gone, 
 I know well why ; 
 The lips that once I kissed 
 Are plainly cold and dumb. 
 One word alone was clear : 
 Farewell, farewell forever! 
 My spring is gone, 
 I know well why. 
 
44 Translations — German Ly^rics 
 
 ANZIEHUNC 
 
 Was mich zu d'lr so mdchiig zog. 
 War nicht der Augen AllgeWali, 
 Der Schimmer nicht des goldnen Haars 
 Und nicht die schlan^e Huldgestalt. 
 
 Was mich zu dir so mdchtig zog. 
 War deiner Stimme triiher Klang, 
 Der mir n>ie Nachtigallensang 
 Ins Herz, ins Lebensmiide, drang. 
 
 Die Blasse deiner Wangen War's, 
 Und eine Thrdne, die verrieth, 
 Dass eine Seele tief geheim 
 Ein namenloses Weh durchzieht. 
 
 Bern. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 145 
 
 ATTRACTION 
 
 What me to you so strongly drew 
 Was not the magic of your eyes, 
 Nor shimmer of your golden hair. 
 Nor yet your slender graceful form, 
 
 What me to you so strongly drew, 
 It was the sound of troubled voice. 
 Which, like the song of nightingale. 
 Weighed heavy on my weary heart. 
 
 It was the pallor of your cheeks, 
 And also tears, which there betrayed 
 That in the secret depts of soul 
 A nameless sorrow sadly dwelt. 
 
46 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 IVenn die Bliithen Friihlings-Regen 
 Ueber alle schwebend sinkU 
 Wenn der Felder griiner Segen 
 Allen Erdgebornen blinJ^t, 
 Kleiner Elfen Geistergrosse 
 Eilet, rvo sie helfen k^nn; 
 Ob er heilig^ ob er bose, 
 Jammert sie der Ungliicl^smann. 
 
 GcETHE (Faust) 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 147 
 
 When the shower blooms of spring 
 Waving fall on flower meads. 
 When the grace of green clad swards. 
 Gaze upon the race of men, 
 Ghostly hordes of elf and sprite 
 Hasten whither they give help 
 Whether good or evil then. 
 Pities them unhappy man. 
 
48 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 AN DEN MONO 
 
 Fullest Tvieder busch und Thai 
 Still mit Nebelglanz, 
 Losest endlich auch einmal 
 Meine Seele ganz, 
 
 Breitest liber mein Gefild 
 Lindernd deinen BlicJ^^ 
 Wie des Freundes Auge mild 
 Ueber mein Gesc/iic^. 
 
 Jeden Nach^lang fiihlt mein Herz 
 Froh — und triiber Zeit, 
 Wandle zn>ischen Freud' und Schmerz 
 In der einsaml^eit. 
 
 GCETHE. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 149 
 
 ON THE MOON 
 
 FiLLEST thou the wood and valley 
 Still with misty splendor. 
 Letting then my soul at last 
 Once go wholly free. 
 
 Give ever o'er my life 
 Tenderly your gaze, 
 With thy friendly gentle eye 
 Watch my destiny. 
 
 My heart feels every echo 
 Of sad and happy times; 
 I wander twixt my joy and pain 
 In my loneliness. 
 
50 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 WVRDE DER F RAVEN 
 
 Ehret die Frauen! sie flechten and rveben 
 Himmlische Rosen ins irdische Lehen^ 
 Flechten der Liebe begliickendes Band^ 
 Und in der Crazie zUchtigem Schleier 
 Nahren sie Wachsam das ewige Feuer 
 Schoner Cefiihle mit heiliger Hand. 
 
 ExDig aus der Wahrheit Schrankcn 
 Schrveift des Mannes ivilde Kraft; 
 Unstdt treiben die Gedanl^en 
 Auf dem Meer der Leidenschaft; 
 Eivig greift er in die Feme, 
 Nimmer wird sein Herz gestillt; 
 Rastlos durch entlegne Sterne 
 Jagt er seines Traumes Bild. 
 
 Aber mit zauberish fesseldem Blicke 
 Winkcn die Frauen den Fliichling zuriicke 
 Warnend zuriicJ^ in der Cegenrvart Spur. 
 In der Mutter Bescheidener Hiitte 
 Sind sie geblieben mit schamhafter Sitte, 
 Treue Tbchter der frommen Natur. 
 
 Feindlich ist des Mannes Streben, 
 Mit zermalmender Cervalt 
 Ceht der ivilde durch das Leben, 
 Ohne Rast und Aufenthalt. 
 Was er schuf, zerstbrt er wieder, 
 Nimmer ruht der WUnsche Streit, 
 Nimmer, ip/e das Haupt der Hyder 
 Ewig fdllt und sich erneut. 
 
Tramlalions — German Lyrics 1 5 1 
 
 WOMAN'S WORTH 
 
 Honor for woman ! She wreathes and weaves 
 
 Heavenly roses in the earthly life 
 
 She weaves the happy bonds of love 
 
 And in her chastened veil of beauty 
 
 She ever fosters the never dying fire 
 
 Of noble feelings with holier hand. 
 
 Far beyond reality. 
 Sweeps the wilding force of man; 
 Waveringly drive his thoughts 
 Freely on the sea of passion ; 
 Reaches curious in the distance, 
 Never will his heart be stilled; 
 Restless far among the stars 
 Hunts the vision of his dreams. 
 
 But with a charming and magical look 
 
 Woman will turn the wanderer back 
 
 Guiding him back to the present of fact. 
 
 In the mother's much modester home 
 
 They have remained with manner quite chastened 
 
 The true daughters of pious demeanor. 
 
 Fighting is the manly life. 
 With destroying wasting power 
 Rushes wildly in his path. 
 Lacking residence and rest. 
 What he makes destroys again, 
 Never rests the strife of passion, 
 Always like the head of Hydra, 
 Ever falls to rise again. 
 
52 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Aber zufrieden mil siillerem Ruhme^ 
 Brechen die Frauen des Augenblicks Blume, 
 Ndhren sie sorgsam mil liebendem F/eiss, 
 Freier in ihrem gebundenen Wirken^ 
 Reichery ah er, in des Wissens Bezirl^en 
 Und in der Dichtung unendlichen Kreis. 
 
 Sireng und stolz sich selbst geniigend^ 
 Kennt des Mannes starve Brust, 
 Herzlich an ein Herz sich smiegend, 
 Nicht der Liebe Coiterlust; 
 Kennet nicht den Tausch der 5ee/en, 
 Nicht in Thrdnen schmilzt er hin: 
 Selbst des Lebens Kdmpfe stdhlen 
 Hdrter seinen harten Sinn. 
 
 Aber^ Tvie leise vom Zephyr erschiittert^ 
 Schnell de dolische Harfe erzittert. 
 Also die fiihlende Seele der Frau, 
 Zdrtlich gedngstight vom Bilde der Qualen, 
 Wallet der liebende Busen, es strahlen 
 Perlend die Augen vom himlischen Thau. 
 
 In der Mdnner Herrschgebiete 
 Gilt der Stdrke trotzig Recht; 
 Mit dem Schivert beweist der 5/fj;//ie, 
 Und der Perser wird zum Knecht. 
 Es befehden sich im Grimme 
 Die Begierden wild und roh, 
 Und der Eris rauhe Stimme 
 Wo die Charis fioh. 
 
Translations — Cer man Lyrics 153 
 
 Ever content with a quieter fame; 
 
 Plucks she the flowers that ever bloom now, 
 
 Fosters them carefully, loving the work. 
 
 Freer in duty and self-imposed tasks. 
 
 Richer than he in the range of her knowledge 
 
 And in the infinite field of her verse. 
 
 Strong and haughty in his pride. 
 Clinging bravely heart on heart, 
 Knoweth not the man's strong soul 
 Love divine that comes from God; 
 Knows not interchange of soul. 
 Nor will melt his heart in tears; 
 E'en the struggles of his life 
 Harder steel his hardened heart. 
 
 But just as tenderly shaken by winds, 
 
 Rapidly sings an /Eolian harp. 
 
 So then the tenderer soul of a woman. 
 
 Gently aroused by the vision of pain. 
 
 Heaves with a sigh on her breast and her eyes 
 
 Streaming with tears that do glisten like pearls. 
 
 In the manly field of power 
 Might doth hold the place of right; 
 Scythians argue with the sword 
 And the Persian yields a slave. 
 Wild and stormy passions there 
 Angrily each other challenge. 
 And the harsher voice of Eris 
 Conquers now where Charis fled. 
 
154 Translations — German L])ncs 
 
 Aber mit sanfi uberredender Bitte 
 Fiihren de Frauen den Zep,ter der Sitte^ 
 Loschen die Zwietracht, die tobend entgliihi^ 
 Lehren die Krafte, die feindlich sich hassen, 
 Sich in der lieblichen Form zu umfasseen^ 
 Und vereinen n>as etvig sich flieht. 
 
 Schiller. 
 
 Freudevoll und leidvoll 
 Cedankenvoll sein. 
 Langen und bangen 
 In schwebender Pein; 
 Himmelhoch jauchzend 
 Zum Tode betriibt; 
 GliickUch allein 
 hi die Seele die liebi. 
 
 GCETHE. 
 
 Lass der Sonne Clanz verschwinden 
 Wenn es in der Seele tagl; 
 Wir im eignen Herzen finden 
 Was die ganze Welt versagt. 
 
 GcETHE (Faust) 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 155 
 
 But with a tender and pleading clear voice 
 Woman will hold to the scepter of law, 
 Cooling dissension now glowing in anger, 
 Teaching the forces in ever living hate; 
 How to embrace in the kindest of love. 
 Reconciling the forces of ever during war. 
 
 Joyful and sorrowful. 
 In thoughtful refrain. 
 Longing and crying 
 In harrowing pain ; 
 Heavenward sighing. 
 Harried to death ; 
 Happy alone 
 Is the soul that loves. 
 
 Let the sun set in the night 
 If in the soul may dawn the light ; 
 For in our hearts we may then feel 
 What all the world makes so unreal. 
 
1 56 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 ABENDLIED 
 
 Der Tag ist nun vergangen, 
 Und dunkel schldft die Welt, 
 Die hellen Siemen prangen 
 Am blauen Himmelszelt: 
 Nur in den griinen Ziveigen 
 Singt noch die NachtigalU 
 Im Tveiten iiefen Schrveigen 
 Der einz*ge LebenschalL 
 
 Ich aber, Vater, stehe 
 
 In meiner Hiittenthiir, 
 
 Und schau hinauf zur H'ohe^ 
 
 Und schau hinauf zu dir; 
 
 Wie gerne mochf ich k^^g^^ 
 
 Als helle NachtigalU 
 
 Dir Preis und Dank 2" bringen 
 
 Mit tiefen Schmerzenschall. 
 
 J a, mit dem Schall der Schmerzen; 
 Denn geht die Nacht herauf^ 
 So springt in meinem Herzen 
 Ein Quell der Thrdnen auf^ 
 Der Thrdnen und der Klagen: 
 Duy Vater^ rveisst es best. 
 Was singen nicht und sagen. 
 Was sich nicht sprechen Idsst. 
 
 Du Kennest meinen Kummer, 
 Der auf den Himmel blickt, 
 Wenn fiir den siissen Schlummer 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 157 
 
 EVENING HYMN 
 
 The day has gone to rest. 
 In the darkness sleeps the world. 
 The shining stars break out 
 Into the deep blue sky; 
 Among the branches green 
 There sings the nightingale. 
 In silence far and deep 
 The only sound of life. 
 
 But I, Oh Father, stand 
 
 Within my cabin door. 
 
 And gaze into the sky. 
 
 And raise my eyes to Thee; 
 
 How gladly would I sing 
 
 As if a nightingale. 
 
 And bring Thee praise and thanks 
 
 With tender cries of pain. 
 
 Indeed, in cries of pain, 
 I pass the lonely night. 
 And springing in my heart 
 The welling tears flow out, 
 The plaintive tears of grief: 
 Thou, Father, knowest well 
 That neither song nor speech 
 Can form themselves in words. 
 
 Thou knowest all my sorrow 
 That cries unto the sky. 
 When for its slumber sweet 
 
58 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Die ganze Welt sich schickt, 
 IVomit so schrver beladen 
 Mein Herz nach oben schaut, 
 Nach deinem Born der Cnaden, 
 Der Labsal niederthaut. 
 
 ]a, deine siisse Liebe 
 Die trosiet mir den Schmerz^ 
 Jot deine siisse Liebe 
 Die stillet mir das Herz, 
 Die lost in heissen Thrdnen 
 Das Eis des Busens auf 
 Und stellet Sinn und Sehnen 
 Zum hohen Sternenlauf. 
 
 O lass mich ewig shauen 
 Im stillen Kindersinn 
 Zu jenen gUldnen Auen, 
 Woher ich I^ommen bin! 
 O richte Herz und 5inne, 
 Mein Vater, fiir und fUr 
 Zu deiner siissen Minne, 
 Zum Himmel hin, zu dir! 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 159 
 
 TTie world itself prepares, 
 And with its heavy griefs 
 My heart doth upward look 
 To fountains of thy grace 
 Whence flow the dews of peace. 
 
 And thy dear love, indeed. 
 Which soothes for me my pain. 
 Yes, Thy dear love, indeed, 
 Which calms for me my heart. 
 And melts in my hot tears 
 My frozen icy heart 
 And turns my thoughts and sighs 
 Unto the starry sky. 
 
 Oh let me ever gaze 
 In quiet childhood faith 
 Upon yon golden plains 
 Whence I have travelled here ! 
 Direct my mind and heart. 
 Oh God, forever there 
 Unto Thy tender love. 
 Unto the sky, to Thee! 
 
1 60 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 So mag ich froh mich legen 
 Nun mit der Welt zur Ruh\ 
 Mem Amen und mein Segen^ 
 Mem Wdchter das hist du; 
 So mag in deinem Fried en 
 Ich frohlich schlafen ein, 
 Dort oben und hieniedeny 
 Im Schlaf und Wachen dein. 
 
 Arndt. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 161 
 
 May I thus lay me down 
 To rest with all the world. 
 My prayer and my blessing 
 And my Protector, Thou; 
 May I in peace divine 
 Pass joyously to rest. 
 Above and here below. 
 In sleep and waking thine. 
 
62 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Was soil dem Hoffnungslosen 
 Der Zauber im Cemiiih? 
 Ach! meines Lebens Rosen 
 Sind alle schon verbliiht. 
 
 Mir Tvend* nicht zu dein bleiches^ 
 Dein holdes Angesicht^ 
 Das Cluck ist ein zu reiches^ 
 Von dem dein Anblick spricht. 
 
 Mir Ti>ar*s, als siisse Treue 
 Dein feuchtes Aug* ver/jiess, 
 Ich saK des Gottes Reue, 
 Der mich ins Elend siiess. 
 
 LORM. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 163 
 
 What shall be for the hopeless 
 The ecstasy of soul? 
 The roses of my life 
 Are all already withered. 
 
 Turn not to me thy pale 
 And tender countenance, 
 The joy is all too rich 
 Of which thy face doth speak. 
 
 It was as if moist eyes 
 Gave me sweet loyalty, 
 I saw the rue of God 
 That thrust me into grief. 
 
64 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 VORWARTS 
 
 Vonvarts! Vorrvdris! 
 
 Frohlich und frei! 
 Folge dem leuchtenden Ziele des Sirebens^ 
 Das dir flammt durch die Nehel des Lebens^ 
 
 Muthig, geduldig, 
 
 Frohlich und frei! 
 
 Fliehe der Menge 
 
 Wirres Gewiihl! 
 Lasse die Menschen dich nicht beriicken, 
 Wenn sie mil hdmischen, lauernden blicken 
 
 Hbhnen^ wie hoch du 
 
 Stelltesi das Ziel! 
 
 Jeder lebt in des 
 
 Tags Einerlei, 
 Aber nur Wenigen rvard es gegeben, 
 Ueber das fliichtige, das tdgliche Leben 
 
 Sich zu erheben 
 
 Frohlich und frei. 
 
 Immer nur vorwdrts! 
 
 Nimmer zurdck! 
 Ahni sie auch I^einer, die heimlichen Thrdnen, 
 Keiner das /leisse, das gliihende Sehnen 
 
 Nach der Vollendung 
 
 Herrlichem Gliick' 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 165 
 
 FORWARD 
 
 Forward! Forward! 
 
 Happy and free! 
 
 Follow the bright goal of thy race 
 
 Shining here through the dim mists of thy life. 
 
 Bravely and patient, 
 
 Happy and free! 
 
 Free from the crowd's 
 
 Chaos and jolting! 
 Let not thy fellows deceive you when they 
 Spiteful and envious treat you with scorn 
 
 However high thou 
 
 Placest thy goal ! 
 
 Common men live in 
 
 Daily monotony. 
 Only the few to whom it is given 
 Over the transient and commonplace life. 
 
 High aims to achieve, 
 
 Happy and free. 
 
 Ever then forward! 
 
 Never turn backwards 
 None ever dreams of the tears that are secret, 
 None, of the glowing, impatient hot longings 
 
 After perfection's 
 
 Glorious joys. 
 
66 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 Kdmpfen und Ringen 
 
 Sidhlt dir die Kraft. 
 IVillst du dich gegen den Feind nicht wehren, 
 Bringt dich auch nimmer ein Sieg zu Ehren, 
 
 Fliehest du den Kampj, n>ird der 
 
 Preis dir entrafft. 
 
 Wer des Cebirges 
 
 Gipfel besteigt, 
 Darf der Beschwerden des Weges nicht achten! 
 Mag er am Brande der Sonne schmachten, 
 
 VorTvdrts^ vorrvdrts. 
 
 Bald isfs erreicht! 
 
 Sei nur geduldig^ 
 
 Fest und getreu! 
 Ceistesarheii Ti>ecf(t einen Bronnen 
 Ungeahntery seliger Wonnen: 
 
 Strehe nur vorivdrts 
 
 Frdhlich und frei. 
 
 Remy. 
 
Translations — German Ly^rics 167 
 
 Fighting and struggling 
 
 Steel you in power. 
 If you strive not the hostile to meet. 
 Victory brings you no honor for toil. 
 
 Would you flee from the strife, then he 
 
 Snatches the prize. 
 
 Whoever climbs 
 
 High up the mountains. 
 Dare not consider the toils of the vv^ay ! 
 Let him not pine in the heat of the sun. 
 
 Forward, forward. 
 
 Soon is it reached ! 
 
 Be only patient. 
 
 Faithful and true! 
 Toils of the soul will then open the springs 
 Of the undreamed and happiest joys 
 
 Strive only forwards 
 
 Happy and free! 
 
68 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 VERBORCENHEIT 
 
 LasSy O Welt, O lass mich sein! 
 Locket nicht mil Liebesgaben^ 
 Lasst dies Herz alleine haben 
 Seine Wonne, seine Pein! 
 
 Was ich traure, Weiss ich nicht, 
 Es ist unbekannies Wehe: 
 Immerdar durch Thrdnen sehe 
 Ich der Sonne liebes Licht. 
 
 Oft bin ich mir k<^um bewusst, 
 Und die helle Freude ziicket 
 Durch die Schwere, so mich driicket^ 
 Wonniglich in meiner Brust. 
 
 Lass, Oh Welt, O lass mich sein! 
 Locket nicht mit Liebesgaben, 
 Lasst dies Herz alleine haben 
 Seine Wonne, seine Pein! 
 
 MoRIKE. 
 
Translations — Cerman Lyrics 16^ 
 
 SOLITUDE 
 
 Let me live alone. Oh World! 
 Lure me not with wiles of love, 
 Let my heart in loneliness 
 Feel its joy and pain! 
 
 Why I'm sad I do not know, 
 It is sorrow yet unknown; 
 Even in my tears I gaze 
 On the brilliance of the sun. 
 
 Often am I hardly conscious. 
 And my brighter joy doth flash 
 Through its grief, and filling there 
 All my soul in happiness. 
 
 Let me live alone. Oh World ! 
 Lure me not with wiles of love. 
 Let my heart in loneliness 
 Feel its joy and pain ! 
 
70 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 HERBSTCEFOHL 
 
 Milder Clanz der Sonne, 
 Blasses Himmelblau: 
 Von verklungner Wonne 
 Trdumei still die Au. 
 
 An der letzten Rose 
 Loset lebenssatt 
 Sich das letzte lose 
 Bleiche Blumenblatt, 
 
 Coldenes Entfdrben 
 Schleicht sich durch den Hain, 
 Auch Vergehn und Sterben 
 Dducht mir siiss zu sein. 
 
 Gerok. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 7 
 
 AUTUMN REVERIE 
 
 Misty light of sun, 
 Gray empyrean: 
 Of a vanished joy 
 Dream the quiet meadows. 
 
 From the autumn rose, 
 Drooping from its stem 
 Falls the faded leaf. 
 Sated with its life. 
 
 Golden fading colors 
 Steal upon the forest. 
 Death and dying seem 
 Also sweet to me. 
 
72 Translations — German Ly^rics 
 
 ABENDLIED 
 
 Ich stand auf Berges Halde, 
 Als helm die Sonne ging, 
 Und sa/i, wie Uberm Walde 
 Des Abends Goldnetz hing. 
 
 Des Himmels Wolf^en thauten 
 Der Erde Friede zu^ 
 Bei Abendglockenlauten 
 Cing die Natur zu RuK. 
 
 Ich sprach: O Herz empftnde 
 Der Schopfung Stille nun^ 
 Und schicf( mit jedem Kinde 
 Der Flur dich auch, zu ruhn. 
 
 Die Blumen alle schliessen 
 Die Augen allgemach, 
 Und alle IVellen fliessen 
 Besdnftiget im Bach, 
 
 Nun hat der miide S^lphe 
 Sich unters Blatt gesetzt^ 
 Und die LibeW am Schilfe 
 Entschlummert thaubenetzt. 
 
 Es Ward dem goldnen Kdfer 
 Zur Wieg* ein Rosenblatt; 
 Die Herde mit dem Schdfer 
 Sucht ihre Lagerstatt. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 73 
 
 EVENING HYMN 
 
 I STOOD on mountain top, 
 The sun was homeward bound, 
 And saw how o'er the forest 
 The evening twilight hung. 
 
 The clouds of heaven shed 
 The peace of evening there, 
 And with the sunset bells 
 The world lay down to rest. 
 
 I spoke. Oh Heart, feel thou 
 Creation's stillness now. 
 With every creature thine 
 Betake thyself to rest. 
 
 The flowers softly close 
 Their petals for the night. 
 And waters softly flow 
 In calm and silent brooks. 
 
 And now the wearied sylph 
 Is sleeping under leaves. 
 And crickets in the rushes 
 Are silent in the dew. 
 
 The golden beetle has 
 A roseleaf for a cradle: 
 The shepherd and his flock 
 Seek now their place of sleep. 
 
74 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Die Lerche sucht aus Liiften 
 Ihr feuchtes Nest im Klee 
 Und in des Waldes Schliiften 
 Ihr Lager Hirsch und Reh. 
 
 Wer sein ein Hiittchen nennel 
 Ruht nun darin sich aus; 
 Und rven die Fremde trennet^ 
 Den tragi ein Traum nach Haus. 
 
 Mich fasest ein Verlangen 
 Dass ich zu dieser Frist 
 Hinauf nicht kann gelangen 
 Wo meine Heimat ist. 
 
 RUCKERT. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 75 
 
 From skies the lark doth seek 
 Its dewy nest in meadows, 
 And in the forest depths 
 The mated deer their rest. 
 
 Whoever claims a cottage 
 Finds his peace therein, 
 And whom strange lands now part 
 In dreams he seeks a home. 
 
 I feel a painful sigh 
 Because I cannot now 
 Direct my footsteps on above 
 Where heaven waits for me. 
 
76 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 ERMANNUNC 
 
 HerZy lass das Zweifeln, lass das Klauben^ 
 Vor dem das Beste selbst zerfdllt, 
 Und n>ahre dir den Rest von Glauben 
 An Cutes noch in dieser Welt. 
 
 Schau hin auf eines Weihes Ziige^ 
 Das Idchelnd auf den Sdugling blicJ^tt 
 Und fiihrs: es ist nicht alles Ltige, 
 Was uns das Leben bringt und schickt. 
 
 Und Herze^ willst du ganz genesen^ 
 Sei selber wahr, sei selber rein! 
 Was Tvir in Welt und Menschen lesen^ 
 Ist nur der eigne Wiederschein. 
 
 FONTANE. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 77 
 
 COURAGE 
 
 Heart, stop your doubting, stop your snarling, 
 Before which e'en the best will crumble, 
 And save the residue of faith 
 In good that yet rules in the world. 
 
 Look at the features of a mother 
 Who gazes smiling at her child. 
 And feel it is not all illusion 
 That brings or makes our life for us. 
 
 Oh heart, if happiness you gain, 
 Be true thyself, be pure thyself. 
 For what we see in man and nature 
 Is but reflection of ourselves. 
 
78 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 FREMD IN DER HEIMAT 
 
 In der Heimat rvar ich wiedeft 
 Alles hab* ich mir besehn. 
 Als ein Fremder auf und nieder 
 MUsst* ich in den Strassen gehn. 
 
 Nut im Friedhof fern alleine 
 HaW ich manchen Freund erkannt, 
 Und bei einem Leichensteine 
 Fiihlt ich eine leise Hand. 
 
 Greif. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 1 79 
 
 UNKNOWN AT HOME 
 
 In my early home again 
 Everywhere I sought for friends. 
 As a stranger, up and down, 
 Must I wander in the streets. 
 
 Only in the graveyard far 
 Found I many friends I knew. 
 Standing near a monument 
 I felt a gentle hand. 
 
180 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 O trockne diese Thrdne nichi 
 Die dir im Auge schimmerU 
 Der Perle gleich, die rein und licht 
 Im Kelch der Rose flimmert! 
 
 Die Liehe wars die sie gebar, 
 Der seVge Schmerz der Liehe; 
 Drum schimmert sie so rvunderbar — 
 Ach, dass sie ewig bliebe! 
 
 Sie gldnzt so rein, sie gldnzt so hell — 
 Mich riihrt ihr fliichiig Leben; 
 Ach, dass, rvas aus so heiVgem Quell 
 Geflossen, muss verschweben, 
 
 Dass, Tvas der reinsten Seele Schacht 
 Entbliihie, schmerzumrvittert. 
 Mil seines Clanzes Wunderpracht 
 Verschivindet und verzittert. 
 
 Sie gldnzt so rein, sie gldnzt so J^lar 
 In deinem Aug\ dem blauen, 
 Und immer loc^t micKs wunderbar. 
 In ihren Clanz zu shaueni 
 
 Du schonst der Perle sonst, die licht 
 Im Kelch der Rose flimmert — 
 O trockne diese Thrdne nicht. 
 Die dir im Auge schimmert! 
 
 Hamerling. 
 
Translations — Cerman Lyrics 18 
 
 Oh, do not dry the tears 
 
 That in thy eyes so shimmer! 
 
 Like pearls, that always pure and light 
 
 In blooms of roses glimmer! 
 
 'Twas love that bore them there. 
 The happy pangs of love; 
 Therefore they ever brightly shine. 
 Oh, let them stay forever ! 
 
 They shine so clear and bright, 
 I feel their transient life ; 
 Alas what came from such a source 
 Must sadly vanish there. 
 
 What bloomed in all the deeps 
 Of soul, in storms of pain, 
 With all its glory splendor there. 
 Must sadly fade and die. 
 
 They shine so pure, they shine so clear 
 
 In thy blue eyes alone 
 
 And ever lure my soul enrapt 
 
 To gaze into their light! 
 
 But sparest thou the pearls that light 
 In blooms of roses glimmer — 
 Oh, do not dry the briny tears 
 That in thy eyes so shimmer! 
 
82 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 A BEND LI ED 
 
 Schallendens Hdmmern 
 Tief unten im Thai. 
 Streiiendes Ddmmern 
 Mil sterbendem Sirahl. 
 
 Nahe n>ie feme 
 Der Clocken Celdut, 
 Leuchiende Sterne 
 Am Himmel zerstreut. 
 
 Frieden und Schlummer 
 Ihr kehret nun ein^ 
 Scheuchtet den Kummer 
 Und loset die Pein. 
 
 Greif. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 183 
 
 EVENING HYMN 
 
 Echoing hammers 
 Deep in the valley. 
 Struggling of twilight 
 With setting of sun. 
 
 Near and so far 
 The sound of the bells, 
 Light of the stars 
 In heaven illumes. 
 
 Slumber and peace. 
 Ye enter now in, 
 Drive away grief 
 And soothe us in pain. 
 
184 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 MEIN LIED 
 
 Mein Lied ist I^urz — rvas liegt daran? 
 Kurz rvie des Lebens Lauf; 
 Und wer*s nicht rveiter dichten k^inn, 
 Der geb* das Horen auf. 
 
 Den Himmel dir k^in Dichter bringU 
 Stellt nur die Leiter an, 
 Drauf, Tver's versteht, sich lustig schwingt 
 Zum Himmelreich hinan! 
 
 Stanislas. 
 
Translations — Cerman L'^ncs 185 
 
 MY SONG 
 
 My song is brief — what matters it? 
 As brief as is my life; 
 And he who cannot further sing 
 Should listen not to me. 
 
 No poet can thy heaven make, 
 But only points the way 
 On which the wise may joyous take 
 Their upward flight to God ! 
 
186 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 BETRACHTUNC 
 
 Selten, dass ein Weggenoss 
 Ldnger bei dir n>ei7ef, 
 Als der Blumen holder Duft 
 Mit den Winden eilei. 
 
 Leyden. 
 
 LIEBEN UNO LEBEN 
 
 Wer je gelebt in Liebesarmen, 
 Der k<^nn im Leben nie verarmen; 
 Und miissi* er sterben fern^ allein^ 
 Er fiihlte noch die seVge Stunde^ 
 Wo er gelebt an ihrem Munde, 
 Und noch im Tode ist sie sein. 
 
 Storm. 
 
 O sei getrostf Es giebt ein Ew'ges Licht; 
 Nicht Tod noch Schicksal l^ann die heiVge Cabe 
 Der eignen Kraft der reinen Seele rauben. 
 Wohl darfst du meinen, zagen darfst du nicht, 
 Denn menschlich ist die Thrdn am frischen Crabe; 
 Doch gottlich isfs, zu Idcheln und zu glauben. 
 
 SCHULZE. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 187 
 
 REFLECTION 
 
 Seldom does one's dearest friend 
 Longer by him linger here, 
 Than the flowers' sweet perfume 
 On the airy fairy winds. 
 
 LOVE AND LIFE 
 
 Whoever lives in arms of love. 
 In life can never, then, be poor. 
 And should he die alone and far. 
 Still he would feel the happy days, 
 When he there hung upon her lips. 
 And she remains for him in death. 
 
 Be brave! There is an everlasting light; 
 For neither death nor fate can rob 
 The soul of its own sacred power. 
 You may well weep, you must not fear. 
 For tears are human at the grave; 
 Tho cheerfulness and faith are then divine. 
 
88 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 EIN CLEICHES 
 
 Ueber alien Gipfeln 
 
 1st Ruh\' 
 
 In alien Wipfeln 
 
 Sparest du 
 
 Kaum einen Hauch; 
 
 Die Vogelein schiveigen im Walde 
 
 Warte nur, balde 
 
 Ruhest du auch. 
 
 GCETHE. 
 
 DIE ARBEIT 
 
 Nur Arbeit hebt dich sanft hinrveg 
 Aus dumpfem Welt — Verneinen: 
 Sie gibt der Stunde einen Zwecl^, 
 Hat auch das Leben f^einen. 
 
 Blumenthal. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 189 
 
 A COMPARISON 
 
 Over every hill 
 
 Is peace; 
 
 In all tree tops 
 
 You can trace 
 
 Scarcely a breath; 
 
 The birdlings are silent in forest 
 
 Wait only, soon 
 
 Thou willt rest too. 
 
 WORK 
 
 *TlS only work that kindly saves 
 From suicide of soul: 
 It gives some purpose to the day 
 Tho life have none to show. 
 
190 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 AUF MEINES KINDES TOD 
 
 1 
 
 Freuden v^ollt* ich dir bereiten, 
 Zrvischen Kdmpfen, Lust und Schmerz 
 WolW ich treulich dich geleiten 
 Durch das Leben himmelxvdris. 
 
 Dock du hasCs allein gefunden. 
 Wo k^in Vater fiihren kann, 
 Durch die ernste, dun^le Stunden 
 Cingst du schuldlos mir voran. 
 
 Wie das Sduseln leiser Schivingen 
 Drausen iiber Thai und Kluft 
 Cing zur selben Siund' ein Singen 
 Feme durch die stille Luft. 
 
 Und so frohlich rvar der Morgen, 
 *S Tvar, als oh das Singen spyach: 
 " Jetzo lasset alle Sorgen, 
 Liebt ihr mich, so folgt mir nach! '* 
 
 2 
 
 Von fern die Uhren schlagen, 
 Es ist schon tiefe Nacht, 
 Die Lampe brenni so dijster, 
 Dein Dettlein ist gemacht. 
 
 Die Winde nur noch gehen 
 Wehklagend um das Haus, 
 Wir sitzen einsam drinne 
 Und lauschen oft hinaus. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 191 
 
 THE DEATH OF A CHILD 
 
 1 
 
 Happiness would I give thee, 
 'Twixt struggle, joy and pain 
 Would I lead thee faithfully 
 Through this life and heavenwards. 
 
 Yet alone hast found the way 
 Where no father now can lead. 
 Through the sad and troubled hour 
 Innocent hast gone before. 
 
 Like the sigh of gentle winds. 
 Moving over hill and vale, 
 Music floats at that same hour 
 Far upon the silent air. 
 
 And so happy was the morn, 
 'Twas as if the music spoke: 
 " Now leave all thy cares and grief, 
 If you love me, follow me." 
 
 2 
 
 Afar the clocks were striking. 
 And fallen is the night. 
 The lamp is burning dimly. 
 Thy little bed is waiting. 
 
 The winds alone are moaning 
 Around the house in grief. 
 We sit alone within 
 And listen oft without. 
 
192 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Es isU als milsstest leise 
 Du klopfen an die Thiir, 
 Du hattesi dich nur verirret, 
 Kdmst miid' zuriick zu mir. 
 
 Wir armen, armen Thoren! 
 Wir irren ja im Craus 
 Des Dunkels nun verloren; 
 Du fandest Idngst nach Haus. 
 
 3 
 Dort ist so tiefer Schatten, 
 Du schldfst in guier Ruh\ 
 Es deckt mil griinen Matten 
 Der Hebe Goti dich zu. 
 
 Die alien Weiden neigen 
 Sich auf dein Beit herein. 
 Die Vbglein in den Z^eigen 
 Sie singen treu dich ein. 
 
 Und Tvie in goldnen Trdumen 
 Gehi Under Friihlingsmnd 
 Rings in den stillen Bdumen — 
 Schlaf wohU mein siisses Kind! 
 
 4 
 
 Mein \iehes Kind, ade! 
 Ich konni* ade nicht sagen, 
 Als sie dich fortgetragen, 
 Vor tiefem, tiefem Weh. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 193 
 
 It seems as lightly there 
 Were knocking on the door. 
 And you, astray awhile. 
 Came weary back to me. 
 
 And we poor living fools ! 
 We ever wander lost 
 In darkness and dismay; 
 But thou hast found thy home. 
 
 3 
 
 Beyond are shadows dark. 
 Thou sleepest there in peace. 
 In green and grassy meads 
 A love divine protects. 
 
 The weeping willows bend 
 Now o'er thy sodded bed. 
 The birdlings in the tree 
 Are singing thee to sleep. 
 
 And like a golden dream 
 A gentle zephyr blows 
 Among the quiet trees — 
 Have thou sweet rest, my child. 
 
 4 
 
 My dearest child, farewell ! 
 I could not say farewell 
 When thou wast born away 
 Because of deep, deep grief. 
 
94 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Jetzt auf lichtgriinem Plan 
 Stehst du im My^rienkranze 
 Und Idchelst aus dem Clanze 
 Mich still voll Mitleid an. 
 
 Und Jahre nahn und gehn, 
 IVie bald bin ich verstoben, 
 O bitt fUr mich da droben 
 Dass Hfir uns rviedersehn! 
 
 ElCHENDORF. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 195 
 
 Upon the lawns of Eden 
 Thou standest myrtle crowned 
 And smilest, in the light, 
 On me with pity now. 
 
 The years have come and gone. 
 How soon have I grown old. 
 Oh ask in Paradise 
 That we may meet again. 
 
96 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 O Lieb\ O Liebe! 
 So golden schon^ 
 Wie MorgenTvolken 
 Auf jenen Hohnf 
 
 Du segnest herrlich 
 Das frische Feld^ 
 Im Bliitendampfe 
 Die voile Welt. 
 
 Sei du mir heilig, 
 Sei den Geliehten 
 Lieber als andere 
 Felsen des Thais. 
 
 GCETHE. 
 
 GCETHE. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 197 
 
 Oh love, Oh love! 
 Thy golden beauty 
 Like morning clouds 
 On yonder heights! 
 
 You nobly bless 
 The freshened field, 
 In blooming mists 
 The greater world. 
 
 Be to me holy. 
 Be to the lovers 
 Lovelier than other 
 Rocks of the valley. 
 
198 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 VNSER HERZ 
 
 Unser Herz isi e'lne Harfe^ 
 
 Eine Harfe mit zxvei Saiten, 
 
 In der eine jauchzt die Freude, 
 
 Und der Schmerz rveint in der Ziveilen. 
 
 Und des Schicksals Finger sp,ielen 
 
 Kundig drauf die en>'gen Kldnge, 
 
 Heute frohe Hochzeitslieder, 
 
 M or gen dumpfe Crabgesdnge. 
 
 ROSEGGER. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 199 
 
 OUR HEARTS 
 
 Our hearts are like a harp. 
 Like a harp with double string. 
 In the one sighs happiness. 
 In the other weeps but grief. 
 And the hands of fate are playing 
 Shrewdly there the eternal songs, 
 Happy wedding songs today. 
 Mournful dirges on the morrow. 
 
200 Translations — German L'^rics 
 
 1 
 
 Nut das ihut mir so bitterTJ^eh, 
 Dass Niemand mir von ihm erzahlt^ 
 Ob ich ihn je nur wiederseh\ 
 Und ob er gliickUch hat gewahlt. 
 
 Ich mochf nur einmal noch ihn sehn, 
 Und zog' er auch an mir vorbei, 
 WollC ungesehn am Fensier siehn, 
 Nur schauen, ob glUcI^lich sei! 
 
 2 
 
 So lang mein Himmel heiter blaut. 
 Will ich nicht an die Wolf^e denizen; 
 So lang die Locl^e nicht ergraui. 
 Will ich mein bliihend Haupt nicht senl^en. 
 
 Denkt denn die Blume ans Verbliihn, 
 Wenn sie der Knospe sich entwindet 
 Denf^t denn der Stern in seinem G/ti/in, 
 Dass er am Morgen schon erblindet ? 
 
 Redwitz. 
 
Translations — German L'^rics 201 
 
 This only is my bitter pain, 
 That no one tells me of his fate. 
 Or whether I shall see him more. 
 And whether he chose happily. 
 
 I wish but once to see him now. 
 And even if he passed me by. 
 Would unseen at the window stand 
 To see if he is happy now. 
 
 But while my sky is fair and blue 
 I will not think about the clouds. 
 And while my locks do not turn gray 
 I will not bend in grief or pain. 
 
 Do flowers dream of faded life 
 While they unfold their blooming buds? 
 Or do the shining stars regret 
 That they shall vanish in the morn? 
 
202 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 TROST DER NACHT 
 
 Klage nicht, beiriibtes Kind, 
 
 Klage nicht urns junge Leben, 
 
 Manche siisse Lust verrinnt. 
 
 Dock manch Leid auch rvird sich geben, 
 
 1st der Tag so schon €r'D>acht 
 Mit der Morgenrothe feme; 
 Klage nicht, es hat die Nacht 
 Einen Himmel auch und Sterne, 
 
 Spitta. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 203 
 
 CONSOLATION OF NIGHT 
 
 Do not mourn, Oh troubled soul. 
 Hush thy plaint for youthful life. 
 Many lovely joys pass by. 
 Also many pains are gone. 
 
 When the day so lovely wakes 
 With the morning dawn afar. 
 Do not weep, for e'en the night 
 Has its heaven, and its stars. 
 
204 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 * ABENDDAMERUNC 
 
 Sei n>i7/^ommen, ZTt^ielichlstunde! 
 D'lch vor alien lieb* ich Idngst^ 
 Die duy lindemd jede Wunde, 
 Unsre Seele mild umfdngsi. 
 
 Hin durch deine Ddmmerhelle 
 In den Liiften, abendfeucht, 
 Schweben Bilder, die der grelle 
 Schein des lauten Tags gescheuchi. 
 
 Trdume und Erinnerungen 
 Nahen aus der Kinderzeit^ 
 Fluslern mil den Ceisterzungen 
 Von vergangner Seligkeit. 
 
 Und zu Jugendlust-Genossen 
 Kehren wir ins Vaierhaus; 
 Arme^ die uns einsi umschlossent 
 Breiten neu sich nach uns aus. 
 
 Nach dem Trennungsschmerz, dem langen^ 
 Diirfen Ti>ir noch einmal nun 
 Denen, die dahingegangen^ 
 Am geliebten Herzen ruhn; 
 
 Und, indess zum Augenlide, 
 Sanft der Schlummer niederrinnt, 
 Sinl^i auf uns ein seVger Friede 
 Aust dem Land, wo jene sind. 
 
 SCHACK. 
 
Translations — German L\)rics 205 
 
 TWILIGHT 
 
 Thou art welcome, twilight hour! 
 Thee I love before all else. 
 Thou who healest every wound. 
 Gently holdest us in peace. 
 
 Through the gloaming's golden light 
 In the breezes, moist with dew. 
 Wander shadows which the glaring 
 Light of day doth drive afar. 
 
 Dreams and recollections far 
 Come to me from childhood's hours. 
 Whisper with a spirit's voice 
 Memories of happiness. 
 
 Comrades of my youthful days 
 Meet me in our father's house; 
 Arms that once embraced us there 
 Reach to us again with joy. 
 
 After pains of parting long. 
 Unto those who far have gone. 
 We may still once more aglow 
 In beloved breasts find peace. 
 
 And on eyelids weary now 
 
 Softly fall the wings of sleep. 
 
 Comes to us a happy peace 
 
 From that land where dwell the dead. 
 
206 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Zu deinen Fiissen will ich ruhn 
 Und dir ins Auge schaun^ 
 Die blaue Nacht mag leise nun 
 Auf uns hernieder thaun. 
 
 Schon tauchet aus dem stillen See 
 Des Mondes Bild empor^ 
 Und kiihner schrveift das scheue Reh 
 Durch Wald und Wiesenmoor. 
 
 Mein Haupt lass ruhn auf deinem Schoos, 
 Da ruht es sanft und tveich, 
 Wie ist der Himmel rveit und gross, 
 Wie ist die Erde reich! 
 
 Der schonste Stern in blauer Nacht, 
 Der schonste Stern hist du. 
 In deines Lichtes sanfter Pracht, 
 O gonne mir die Ruh! 
 
 An deinem Herzen lass mich ruhn 
 Nur kurze seVge Zeit! 
 Kein Lauscher kilndet unser Thun, 
 Die Welt ist traumgefeit. 
 
 An deinen Lippen lass mich ruhn. 
 Eh' noch die Nacht verglimmt. 
 Bis unsre Seele trdumend nun 
 In Seligkeit verschwimmt. 
 
 ROQUETTE. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 207 
 
 Oh let me kneel now at thy feet 
 And gaze into thine eyes. 
 The azure night may gently then 
 Distil on us the dew. 
 
 Upon the glassy lake there falls 
 The moonbeams' silver light. 
 And boldly roams the timid deer 
 Through wood and meadow moor. 
 
 My head would lie upon thy lap. 
 So soft and tender there. 
 How large and wide is heaven now. 
 How rich the earth for us ! 
 
 The brightest star in azure night. 
 The brightest star art thou. 
 The tender glory of thy face 
 Will bring me needed peace. 
 
 Oh let me rest upon thy breast 
 A brief and happy space 1 
 No secret watcher knows our acts, 
 The world is deep in dreams. 
 
 Oh let me rest upon thy lips 
 Before the night doth fade. 
 Until our souls may dream in deep 
 And sated happiness. 
 
208 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Wenn der Uralte 
 Heilige Vaier 
 Mil gelassener Hand 
 Aus rollenden Wol^en 
 Segnende Blitze 
 Ueber die Erde sat, 
 Kuss ich den letzten 
 Saum seines Kleides, 
 Kindliche Schauer 
 Treu in der Brust. 
 
 Denn mil Cottern 
 Soil sich nicht messen 
 Irgend ein Mensch. 
 Hebt er sich aufwdrts 
 Und beriihrt 
 
 Mit dem Scheitel die Sterne, 
 Nirgends haften dann 
 Die unsichern Sohlen, 
 Und mit ihm spielen 
 WolJien und Winde. 
 
 Steht er mit feslen 
 Markigen Knochen 
 Auf der wohlgegrundelen 
 Dauernden Erde, 
 Reicht er nicht aufwdrts 
 Nur mit der Eiche 
 Oder der Rebe 
 Sich zu vergleichen. 
 
 GCETHE. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 209 
 
 When the o'er-old 
 Heavenly Father 
 With his tranquil-like hand 
 From rolling white clouds 
 Blessings in thunderbolts 
 Sows over earth. 
 Kiss I the last 
 Hem of his garment, 
 Childlike in awe 
 Faithful in heart. 
 
 For with the Gods 
 Never should man 
 Measure himself. 
 If he reach upward 
 And touches the stars 
 With his high head. 
 Never will he fix 
 His insecure feet, 
 With him will play 
 Clouds and the winds. 
 
 Stands he with fixed. 
 Bold and firm feet 
 On the well based 
 Solid old earth, 
 Reaches not upward. 
 Only with the oak 
 Or the weak vine 
 Himself to compare. 
 
210 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 MIT DIR 
 
 Nimm mich mit, wohin dein Fuss 
 Auf des Lebens Pfaden gehet; 
 Denn da wehi mir Heimatsgruss^ 
 Wo dein siisser Atem Tvehet. 
 
 Nimm mich mil, Tvenn J^Uhn dein Ceist 
 Fliegt durch alle Himmelsrdume 
 Und zur Erde, die verivaist, 
 Bringt des Jenseits goldne Trdume. 
 
 Nimm mich mit, wenn ins Cefecht, 
 Wo du heldenherrlich sireitesi 
 Fiir der Menscheit heilig RechU 
 Duy ein edler Riiter schreitest. 
 
 Nimm mich mil, wenn still gehiicki- 
 Zu der tiefen Ceister quelle. 
 Deine Seele sich erquicki 
 Mit des Denkens Lehensxvelle. 
 
 Nimm mich mit, es sei dein Theil 
 Wonne, Jammer, Lehen, Sterhen! 
 Nimm mich mil ins erv*ge Heil 
 Und ins ervige Verderben. 
 
 Paoli 
 
Translations — German L'^r'ics 21 
 
 WITH THEE 
 
 Take me, dear, where'er thy feet 
 Travel on the paths of life; 
 There my home will ever be 
 Where thy life doth sweetly pass. 
 
 Take me, dear, when bold thy soul 
 Takes its flight to heavenly realms 
 And unto the orphaned earth 
 Brings the golden dreams of Eden. 
 
 Take me, dear, when in the strife, 
 Where heroic battle wages 
 For the sacred rights of man. 
 Thou, a noble knight, willt join. 
 
 Take me, dear, when silent bent 
 In the springs of deepest truth, 
 Thou refreshest there thy soul 
 In the waters of reflection. 
 
 Take me, dear, and be thy lot 
 Joy or grief or life or death! 
 Take me, dear, forever thine, 
 In eternal joy or pain. 
 
212 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 UNVERLOREN 
 
 Nur fliichtig ist der Liebe Cliick; 
 Es rechne Reiner in die Feme 
 Und Reiner schaue bang' zuriick, 
 Versanken seines Himmels Sterne. 
 
 Einst fassest du es selber nicht^ 
 Dass du so heiss nach mir gerungen^ 
 Dass n>ir voll Liebe, Cliick und Licht, 
 So rveltvergessen uns umschlungen. 
 
 Ich aber klage dich nicht an 
 
 Und irage stumm des SchicJ^sals Walten, 
 
 Wenn unerbittlich mir zerrann. 
 
 Was nimmer, nimmer festzuhalten. 
 
 Ob all die Tage, goldumsdumt, 
 Mir nichis von treuer Dauer brachien: 
 Da ich geliebty gehofft, getrdumt. 
 Was solW ich als verloren achten? 
 
 MiLOW. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 2 1 3 
 
 NOT LOST 
 
 But transient is the joy of love; 
 Let no one reckon on the morrow 
 And none feel pain for yesterday, 
 Altho his heaven's stars are setting. 
 
 For once you did not know yourself 
 How much you dearly longed for me. 
 How much in happiness and love 
 We lived forgetful of the world. 
 
 But never plaint will come from me. 
 And silently I bear my fate. 
 That rob me so remorselessly 
 Of all that I could never keep. 
 
 If all the gold embroidered days 
 
 Brought no fidelity to me: 
 
 That I have loved, have hoped, have dreamed. 
 
 Should I think anything as lost? 
 
214 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 DIE JUNCE MUTTER 
 
 Im hellen Blumengarten 
 Eine fromme Mutter stand, 
 Ihr herzig Kind zu warten; 
 Sie TPiegt es mit der Hand. 
 
 Die Bliithenzweige fdcheln^ 
 Der Knabe regt sich f^aum, 
 Er blickt mit siissem Ldcheln 
 Zum blauen Himmehraum. 
 
 Die goldnen Lockchen rvehen 
 Ihm um das Haupt zumal; 
 Was mag das Kindlein sehen 
 Im grossen Himmelssaal? 
 
 Es strecket mit Verlangen 
 Die zarten Arme aus. 
 Den Vater zu erlangen 
 Dort oben im hellen Haus. 
 
 Die Englein all erscheinen, 
 Sie bringen seVgen Cruss; 
 Wie J^ommt es, dass ich Tveinen, 
 So herzlich weinen muss? 
 
 MOSEN. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 215 
 
 THE YOUNG MOTHER 
 
 In shining flower garden 
 A tender mother stands 
 To watch her darling child, 
 While rocking it to rest. 
 
 The budding branches sway. 
 The child lies calmly there 
 And gazes sweetly smiling 
 Into the azure blue. 
 
 Its golden locks are blowing 
 About its head the while ; 
 What sees the child above 
 In heaven's palace far? 
 
 It stretches out its arms 
 In tender longing now. 
 Its father dear to reach. 
 Who dwells in starry home. 
 
 The angels gather there 
 And happy greetings bring; 
 Why is it that I weep, 
 Must weep so bitterly? 
 
2 1 6 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Wer heute sich nicht heben k(ii^n 
 1st eivig ein verlorner man. 
 
 GcETHE (Faust). 
 
 Es k^nn die Spur von meinen Erdetagen 
 Nicht in /Eonen untergehn. 
 
 GcETHE (Faust). 
 
 Nicht jeden leitet ein gelinder Gang 
 Unmerklich in das stille Reich der Schatten, 
 
 GcETHE. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 2 1 7 
 
 Who cannot save himself today 
 Is lost for all eternity. 
 
 The traces of my earthly days 
 In ages cannot fade. 
 
 But few, insensibly, by gentle paths 
 Are led into the silent realm of shadows. 
 
2 1 8 Translations — German L))r'ics 
 
 FRACE 
 
 O Menschenherz, was ist de'm CliicI^? 
 Em rdthselhafi geborner, 
 Und, kaum gegriisst, verlorner 
 UnTi>iederholier Augenblick! 
 
 Lenau. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 219 
 
 QUERY 
 
 Oh, human heart, what is thy joy? 
 A moment born in mystery, 
 And soon as felt is gone. 
 To be repeated ne'er again. 
 
220 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 CUTER RATH 
 
 Ceniesse still zufrieden 
 Den sonnig heitern Tag^ 
 Du Weisst nicht, oh hienieden 
 E'm gleicher kommen mag. 
 
 Es gibt so triibe Zeiten, 
 Da n>ird das Herz uns schwer^ 
 Da wogt von alien Seiten 
 Um uns ein Nebelmeer. 
 
 Da Tviichse tief im Innern 
 Die Finsterniss mit Macht, 
 Cing nicht ein siiss Errinnern 
 Als Mondlicht durch die Nacht, 
 
 Sturm. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 221 
 
 ADVICE 
 
 Enjoy in silent peace 
 The sunny happy days, 
 You know not here below 
 The like may come again. 
 
 So many troubled hours 
 To make a heavy heart. 
 And raging cloudy seas 
 Now sadden all the shores. 
 
 Then grows now deep within 
 The darkness and its gloom. 
 There comes no memory 
 Like moonlight o'er the night 
 
222 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Hochste Herrscherin der Welt! 
 Lasse mich im blauen 
 Ausgespannten Himmelszelt 
 Dein Ceheimniss schauenf 
 Billige, Tvas des Mannes Brust 
 Ernst und zart berveget 
 Und mit heiliger Liebeslust 
 Dir entgegen trdget! 
 Unbezwinglich unser Muth^ 
 Wenn du hehr gebietest; 
 Plotzlich mildert sich die Cluth, 
 Wie du uns befriedest. 
 Jungfrau, rein im schonsten Sinn, 
 Mutter, Ehren wiirdig, 
 Uns erwdhlte Konigin, 
 Cbttern ebenbiirtig. 
 
 GcETHE (Faust), 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 223 
 
 Noblest ruler of the world 
 
 Let me in the blue 
 
 Infinite and starry vault 
 
 See thy secret deep! 
 
 Cherish, then, what the heart of man 
 
 Deep and tender moves 
 
 And with holier passion there 
 
 Brings as offering! 
 
 And invincible our heart 
 
 When thou commandest ; 
 
 Cools at once the passion 
 
 When thou givest peace. 
 
 Virgin, pure in noblest sense, 
 
 Mother, meet for honor. 
 
 And our chosen queen. 
 
 Equal of the gods. 
 
224 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 DER SCHWERE ABEND 
 
 Die dunklen Woll^en hingen 
 Herab so hang und schrver, 
 Wir heide iraurig gingen 
 Im Garten hin und her. 
 
 So heiss und stumm, so triihe 
 Und sternlos war die Nacht^ 
 So ganz, wie unsre Liehe^ 
 Zur Thrdnen nur gemacht. 
 
 Und als ich musste scheiden 
 Und gute Nacht dir hot, 
 Wiinscht* ich hef^iimmert heiden 
 Im Herzen uns den Tod. 
 
 Lenau. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 225 
 
 A SAD EVENING 
 
 The clouds hung heavily 
 And darkly o'er us there, 
 As back and forth we both 
 Did wander in the garden. 
 
 So hot and still, so dark 
 And starless was the night. 
 That it, quite like our love. 
 Awakened us to tears. 
 
 When I was forced to part 
 And say goodbye to you, 
 I wished with grieving heart 
 Us both to sink in death. 
 
226 Translations-^Cerman Lyrics 
 
 AN DIE ENTFERNTE 
 I 
 Diese Rose pfliick* ich hier. 
 In der fremden Feme; 
 Liebes Madcheriy dir^ ach d'lr 
 Brdchf ich sie so gerne! 
 
 Dock bis ich zu dir mag ziehn 
 Viele weite Meilen, 
 1st die Rose Idngst dahin, 
 Denn die Rosen eilen. 
 
 Nie soil rveiter sich ins Land 
 LieW von Liebe wagen^ 
 Als sich bliihend in der Hand 
 Ldsst die Rose tragen; 
 
 Oder als die Nachtigall 
 Halme bringt zum Neste, 
 Oder als ihr siisser Schall 
 Wanderl mil dem Wesle. 
 
 2 
 
 Rosen fliehen nicht allein 
 Und die Lenzgesdnge, 
 Auch dein Wangenrosenschein, 
 Deine siisse Kldnge. 
 
 O dass ich, ein Thor, ein Thor, 
 Meinen Himmel raiimte! 
 Dass ich einen Blicf( verlor, 
 Einen Hauch versdumie! 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 227 
 
 TO MY LOVE 
 1 
 Now I gather roses red. 
 On the distant plain; 
 Lovely maiden, they were all 
 Gladly brought to thee ! 
 
 Yet while bringing them to thee 
 Many miles away, 
 Faded long ago my rose, 
 Even roses wither. 
 
 Never further on the land 
 Ventures love from love 
 Than will roses live afresh. 
 Blooming in your hand. 
 
 Either when the nightingale 
 Builds from twigs its nest, 
 Or its sweeter mellow song 
 Wanders in the west. 
 
 2 
 Roses wither not alone 
 Or the songs of spring. 
 But the color of thy cheeks. 
 And the sweetest music. 
 
 Oh ! But what a fool was I, 
 Paradise to yield! 
 Or a look to sacrifice. 
 E'en a breath to lose ! 
 
228 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Rosen rvecken Sehnsucht hier^ 
 Dort die Nachtigallen, 
 Mddchen, und ich mochte dir 
 In die Arme fallen! 
 
 Lenau. 
 
 Wendei zur Klarheit 
 Euch^ liebende Flammen! 
 Die sich verdammen, 
 Heile die Wahrheit; 
 Dass sie vom Bosen 
 Froh sich erlosen, 
 Um in dem Allverein 
 Selig zu sein, 
 
 GcETHE (Faust) 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 229 
 
 Roses waken longing here. 
 There the nightingales, 
 Maiden, I would wistfully 
 Fall into thy arms! 
 
 Turn to the light. 
 Ye passionate souls ! 
 Those who are damned 
 Let the truth heal; 
 That they from evil 
 May themselves save. 
 And in the arms of God 
 Happiness may find. 
 
230 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 KINDERCO T T ESDI ENS T 
 
 Es Iduten zur Kirche die Clockent 
 Die Eltem, sie gingen schon aus^ 
 Drei Kindlein in goldenen Locken 
 Die sitzen noch unter dem Haus, 
 
 Die muntern unmiissigen Caste, 
 Sind noch fiir die Kirche zu kl^in, 
 Doch Tvollen am heiligen Feste 
 Sie fromm Tvie die Alten schon sein. 
 
 Hat jedes ein Buch sich genommen 
 LJnd halt es verJ^ehrt auf dem Schoss, 
 Draus singen die Schelme, die frommen, 
 Mit schallender Stimme drauf los. 
 
 Weiss selber noch l^eins, was er singt, 
 Singt jedes in anderem Ton; 
 Singt immer, ihr Kindlein, es dringet 
 Auch so zum dem himmlischen Thron. 
 
 Dort stehn cure EngeU die reinen, 
 Und singen dem Vater der Welt, 
 Der stets aus dem Munde der Kleinen 
 Am liehsten sein Lob sich hestellt. 
 
 Singt immer; da driihen im Garten, 
 Da singt' s in die Wette mit euch; 
 Die Vogelein sind es, die zarten. 
 Die zTvitschern im jungen Cestrduch. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 23 
 
 CHILDREN'S WORSHIP 
 
 The bells are now calling to church. 
 And elders already have left. 
 Three children in golden bright locks 
 Are staying still under the roof. 
 
 These happy and active young rogues. 
 Are still for the service too small. 
 And yet would they share in the worship. 
 As pious as elders now are. 
 
 And each has a book for himself. 
 And holds it reversed in his lap. 
 They're singing, the pious young rascals. 
 With echoing voices so clear. 
 
 Not one of them knows what he sings, 
 Each sings in a different key ; 
 Sing on. Oh ye children, it rises 
 E'en so to the heavenly throne. 
 
 There stand the pure angels, with wings. 
 And sing to the Father of all. 
 Who always from lips of the children 
 Will reckon their praise as the best. 
 
 Sing ever ; for out in the garden 
 Are singing, as rivals of yours, 
 The birdlings in sweetest of voices. 
 And warble their songs in the trees. 
 
232 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Singt immer; ihr singet im Claubent 
 Das ist ja dem Heiland genug, 
 E'm Herz ohne Falsch rvie die Tauben 
 Nimmi friihe gen Himmel den Flag. 
 
 Singt immer; rvir singen, die Alten^ 
 Und lesen die Schrift mit Verstand, 
 Vnd dock ach! wie hundertmal hatten 
 Das Buch Jvir verkchrt in der Hand. 
 
 Singt immer; Tvir singen die Lieder 
 Nach Noten, so wie sicKs gehori, 
 Und dock — vom Cezdnf^e der Briider 
 Wie oft Tvird der Einklang gesinrt! 
 
 Singt immer; aus irdischen Hallen 
 Der hehrste und herrlichste Chor, 
 Was ist er? ein J^indisches Lallen^ 
 Ein Hauch in des Ervigen Ohr! 
 
 Gerok. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 233 
 
 Sing ever; you're singing in faith. 
 That is a Savior enough. 
 The heart without sin, Hke the dove. 
 Takes early its heavenward flight. 
 
 Sing ever; we're singing, we elders. 
 And read so the Bible with reason. 
 And yet, alas, hundreds of times 
 We read upside down as the child. 
 
 Sing ever; we're singing the songs 
 With music as is proper in worship. 
 And yet, by the quarrels of brothers 
 How oft is the harmony broken. 
 
 Sing ever from earthly made halls. 
 The noblest, most glorious choir. 
 What is it but stammer of children, 
 A breath in the ear of the Eternal ! 
 
234 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 DER DORFKIRCHHOF 
 
 Friedlich Dorf! nach alter Sitte 
 Hast du noch dein Kirchlein stehn 
 In des stillen Hofes Mitte^ 
 Wo zur Ruh' die Todten gehn. 
 
 Sonniags ivallet die Cemeine 
 Beim Geldute da heraus; 
 Zn>ischen Kreuz und Leichensteine 
 Zieht die Schar ins Cotteshaus. 
 
 Wird sie nichi, um Crdber len^end, 
 Schon zum tieferm Ernst gestimmt, 
 Dass die Seel\ ihr End bedenkend, 
 Besser Cottes Wort vernimmt? 
 
 Will sein Kind zur Taufe tragen 
 Hier ein Vater Wohlgemuth, 
 Sieht er erst die Hiigel ragen. 
 Wo so manches Kindlein ruht. 
 
 Fliistert nicht ein Hauch des Windes 
 Aus der Kleinen Cruft herauf: 
 ** Pflege doch des zarten Kindes, 
 Zieh es friih zum Himmel auf ? " 
 
 Wenn beim hellen Festgeldute 
 Naht die muntre Hochzeitschar, 
 Wandeln die geschmiickten Brduie 
 Zrvischen Griiften zum Altar. 
 
Translations — Cerman Lyrics 235 
 
 THE VILLAGE CHURCHYARD 
 
 Peaceful village! Ancient custom 
 Keeps thy little church still there 
 In the peaceful churchyard home. 
 Where the dead have gone to rest. 
 
 Multitudes on Sabbaths wander. 
 With the ringing of the bells, 
 Twixt the cross and monuments. 
 There to gather in God's choir. 
 
 Will it not, in view of death, 
 Tune its mind to deepest thought 
 That the soul, reflecting, may 
 Better know the Word of God? 
 
 When a father piously 
 Brings his child unto the font, 
 Then he sees the hillock graves 
 Where so many children sleep. 
 
 Whispers not a breath of air 
 Flowing from the infant's grave : 
 " Cherish yet the tender child. 
 Take it early hence to God? " 
 
 When, with happy banquet songs. 
 Come the joyful wedding hosts. 
 Brides in pretty dresses wander 
 From the graves unto the altar. 
 
236 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Vor dtr Jungfrau mit Jer Krone 
 Bebt am Kreuz der Flitterkranz, 
 Mahnt zum Ernst mit leisem Tone 
 Mitten durch Musi^ und Tanz. 
 
 Aber rvankt in tiefen Schmerzen 
 Eine Schar zum Crabesrand^ 
 Dann fiir die gebrochnen Herzen 
 1st der Trost auch nah zur Hand. 
 
 Cleichwie sanfter ja die Kinder 
 Weinen in der Mutter Schoss, 
 So vor Gottes Haus gelinder 
 Ringen sich die Thrdnen los. 
 
 Sanfter selbst die Todten ruhen 
 In der Kirche Hut und Acht, 
 G/eic/iiPie die Kinder in die Truhen, 
 Wo die treue Mutter rvacht. 
 
 Dorflein! deine Kirch* umJ^rdnzet 
 Criin des Kirchhofs ernst Geheg, 
 Und der Todtenacker grenzet 
 Hart an deinen Lebensweg. 
 
 Wenn in deine Fesf und Freuden 
 Oft ein Sterbgedanke bricht^ 
 So verkldrt sich auch dein Leiden 
 In des eip'gen Glaubens Licht. 
 
 Stober. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 237 
 
 By the virgin with the crown 
 Waves a garland at the cross. 
 Tones of music soft instill 
 Earnestness in midst of dancing. 
 
 But if crowds in sorrow wander 
 To the edges of the graves, 
 Then for broken hearts will be 
 Comfort also near at hand. 
 
 Just as tender children pure 
 Weep upon their mother's breast. 
 So before the house of God 
 Struggle gently free the tears. 
 
 Softly e'en the dead are sleeping 
 In the church's watchful care. 
 Just like children in their cradles 
 Whom their faithful mothers guard. 
 
 Village dear, thy church doth crown 
 Green the graveyard's mournful sward, 
 And the home of death there borders 
 Close upon the path of life. 
 
 As in feast and happiness 
 
 Oft the thought of death breaks in. 
 
 Thus thy sorrow is exalted 
 
 In the light of during faith. 
 
238 Translations — Cerman Lyrics 
 
 FROHER SINN 
 
 Ohne Celd und ohne Sorgen! 
 CiebCs ein Cluc}^, das meinem gleicht? 
 Celd, e'l Celd, das kann ich borgen, 
 Aber Frohsinn nicht so leicht. 
 
 Heute sorget ihr fiir morgen, 
 Morgen fiir die Exvigl^eil! 
 Ich will heuV fiir heute sorgen, 
 Morgen ist fiir morgen Zeit. 
 
 Und die Zul^unft ? Wenn auch morgen 
 Mich der Tod zum Opfer weiht: 
 Frei von Schuld sein und von Sorgen, 
 Ist ja hier schon Selig^eit. 
 
 Grillparzer. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 239 
 
 HAPPY DISPOSITION 
 
 Lacking gold and free from care! 
 Is there happiness like mine? 
 Gold, well gold, that can I borrow, 
 Joy, indeed, is not so easy. 
 
 Care today but for the morrow. 
 Morrow for eternity ! 
 For today will I care today. 
 Morrow is for morrow's cares. 
 
 And the future? Tho the morrow 
 Gives me death upon the altar. 
 F ree from guilt to be and care, 
 Is my present happiness. 
 
240 Translations — German L'^rics 
 
 WELT LAV F 
 
 Wohin das Auge dringt^ 
 Isi Schuld und Leiden^ 
 Und rvas der Zeitlauf bringt^ 
 1st Fliehn und Scheiden. 
 
 Dazwischen hat der Traum 
 Von Cliick und Liehe 
 Nur noch so viel an Raum^ 
 Dass er zerstiebe. 
 
 LORM. 
 
 Wer im Frieden 
 Wiinschet sich Krieg zuriickt 
 Der ist geschieden 
 Vom HoffnungsglucI^. 
 
 GcETHE (Faust). 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 24 
 
 LIFE 
 
 Where e'er my eye I turn 
 Is sin and pain. 
 
 And all the path of life 
 
 Brings grief and parting. 
 
 Between the two my dream 
 Of joy and love 
 Has only room enough 
 To wane in grief. 
 
 Who m peace 
 Wishes for war again, 
 He is far distant 
 From hope and joy. 
 
242 Translations — German L'^r'ics 
 
 DIE CESTIRNE 
 
 Wie sie so himmlisch ruhig oben k^e'isen 
 Kein Laut, der je zu uns heriiber drang; 
 Sie Wandeln ihren stillen, ewig, /eisen, 
 Geheimnissvollen, wunderbaren Gang. 
 
 Die Winde sausen aus die fernsten Feme, 
 Des Weltalls Bolen fliehn sie hin und her; 
 Dock bringen sie aus dem Bereich der Sterne 
 Nicht einen Ton, der uns vernhmbar war. 
 
 Vergebens isl des Ohrs gespanntes Lauschen, 
 Der Geist nur iiberwinde Raum und Zeit, 
 Und ihm ertont im stummen Sphdren-Rauschen 
 Der Donnerruf des Alls: Unendlichkeit. 
 
 Waldmuller 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 243 
 
 THE STARS 
 
 The stars roam ever in celestial peace 
 No sound of music floats upon our ears ; 
 They wander in their calm eternal course, 
 Mysterious and sublime their silent paths. 
 
 The sighing winds blow from the distant deeps. 
 The messengers of God move everywhere; 
 And yet they bring from out the realm of stars 
 No voice that may be audible to us. 
 
 In vain the ear will listen for a sound, 
 The spirit only conquers time and space. 
 For it there echoes in the silent spheres 
 The thunder call of God: Infinity. 
 
244 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 DAS COTTLICHE 
 
 Edel sei der Mensch, 
 Hiilfreich und gut! 
 Denn das allein 
 Unterscheidet ihn 
 Von alien Wesen^ 
 Die wir kennen. 
 
 Heil dem unbekannten 
 Hohern Wesen, 
 Die rvir ahnenf 
 Sein Beispiel lehr uns 
 Jene glauben. 
 
 Denn unfiihlend 
 
 1st die Natur: 
 
 Es leuchtet die Sonne 
 
 Vber Bos* und Cute 
 
 Und dem Verbrecher 
 
 Gldnzen, nie dem Besten 
 
 Der Mond und die Sterne. 
 
 Wind und Strome, 
 Donner und Hagel 
 Rauschen ihren Weg 
 Und ergreifen, 
 Voriiber eilend, 
 Einem um den andern. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 245 
 
 THE DIVINE 
 
 Noble be man. 
 Helpful and good; 
 For that alone 
 Separates him 
 From all creatures 
 That we now know. 
 
 Healing unknown 
 Higher pure beings. 
 Whom we here envy. 
 Teach us his life 
 These to believe. 
 
 For that unfeeling 
 Nature is cold. 
 Sun ever lights 
 Evil and good, 
 And for the sinner 
 Lumes, as on noblest. 
 Moon and the stars. 
 
 Wind and full streams. 
 Thunder and hail. 
 Rush o'er the valley. 
 And they there clash. 
 Hurrying onward. 
 One on the other. 
 
246 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Auch so das Cliick 
 Tappl unter die Menge, 
 Fasst bald des Knaben 
 Lockige Unschuld, 
 Bald auch den kMen 
 Schuldigen Scheitel. 
 
 Nach en^igen, ehrnen, 
 Crossen Gesetzen 
 Mussen Ti>ir alle 
 Unseres Daisens 
 Kreise vollenden. 
 
 Nur allein der Mensch 
 Vermag das Unmogliche; 
 Er unterscheidet 
 Wdhlet und richiet; 
 Er k^nn dem Augenblick 
 Dauer verleihen. 
 
 Er allein darf 
 Den Guten lohnen. 
 Den Bosen strafen^ 
 Heilen und retten, 
 Alles Irrende^ Schrveifende 
 Nutzlich verbinden, 
 
 Und iPi'r verehren 
 
 Die unsterblichent 
 
 Als rvdren sie Menschen, 
 
 Thdten im grossen. 
 
 Was der Beste im kl^inen 
 
 Thut oder mochte. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 2A1 
 
 Happiness thus 
 Gropes in the crowd. 
 Takes innocent 
 Curly haired youth, 
 Then the gray haired 
 Guilty old age. 
 
 Under the lasting 
 Iron firm laws. 
 Must we then all 
 The courses fulfil 
 Of our existence. 
 
 Man then alone 
 Tries the impossible ; 
 He may distinguish. 
 Choose and direct; 
 To the time fleeting 
 He may give durance. 
 
 He may alone 
 Goodness emprize 
 Punish the wicked, 
 Healing and saving. 
 Erring and wand'ring 
 Usefully joining. 
 
 And we may honor 
 All the immortals. 
 As they were men. 
 Act in the greatest 
 As in things small 
 Noble men do. 
 
248 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 Der edle Mensch 
 Sei hiilfreich und gut! 
 Unermiidet schaff' er 
 Das NiitzUche, Rechte, 
 Sei uns ein Vorbild 
 Jener geahnten Wesen. 
 
 GCETHE. 
 
Translations — German Ly^r'ics 249 
 
 Let all men be 
 Helpful and good. 
 Unwearied makes he 
 The useful and right. 
 Be then a forecast 
 Of the wise gods. 
 
250 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 WELTI A UF 
 
 Hat man vie/, so jvird man bald 
 Noch viel mehr dazu bef^ommen. 
 Wer nur xvenig hat, dem wird 
 Auch das Wen'ige genommen. 
 
 IVenn du aber gar Nichts hast, 
 Ach, so lasse dich begraben — 
 Denn ein Recht zum Leben, Lump, 
 Haben nur die etwas haben. 
 
 Heine. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 251 
 
 THE WORLD 
 
 Have you plenty, plenty more 
 Cometh quickly to thy hands. 
 Who has little, then from him 
 Will his meager goods be taken. 
 
 But if nothing is thy lot, 
 Better end it at the grave- 
 
 For the right to live, you fool. 
 Have the lucky men of plenty. 
 
252 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 RUHE AM SEE 
 
 Einsam oben auf dem HiigeU 
 An des Felsens Ueberhang 
 An des Sees blauem Spiegel 
 Ruh* ich stunden, tagelang. 
 
 Ueber mir das Laub der Bdume 
 Um mich heller Friihlingsschein, 
 Wie ins Feenland der Trdume 
 Schau ich in den See hinein. 
 
 Was am Ufer steht und rvehei 
 Und den ganzen Himmelsplan, 
 Was nur dort voriibergeheU 
 Zeigt der treue Spiegel an. 
 
 Herz, mein Herz, ivas soil dein Schlagen? 
 Bist du wieder gar so Tvild, 
 Dass du nicht varmagst zu tragen, 
 Wie der See, des Himmels Bild? 
 
 Herz, mein Herz, rvas willst du bangen, 
 Herz, mein Herz, in deinem Weh? 
 Sturm und Winter sind gegangen. 
 Hell und ruhig steht der See. 
 
 MOSEN. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 253 
 
 RESTING BY THE SEA 
 
 Lonely there upon the hill. 
 On the rocky precipice. 
 Rest I all the livelong day. 
 By the surface of the sea. 
 
 Over me the leaves of trees, 
 Round me splendid spring sunshine. 
 As in fairyland of dreams. 
 Gaze I in the deep blue sea. 
 
 Forests waving on the shores 
 All the azure deeps of heaven. 
 All that wanders o'er its plains 
 Seems reflected from the sea. 
 
 O my heart, why should you grieve? 
 Why art thou so deeply pained 
 That thou canst not carry there 
 Heaven's image like the sea? 
 
 O my heart, what vexes thee, 
 O my heart, in bitter pain? 
 Storm and winter now have gone. 
 Bright and peaceful lies the sea. 
 
254 Translations — German Lyrics 
 
 VALET 
 
 Ade nun^ liehe Lieder^ 
 Ade, du schoner Sang! 
 Nun sing* ich ipohl nicht Tvieder 
 Vielleicht mein lebenlang. 
 
 Einst bliihf von Goties Odem 
 Die Welt so tvunderreich. 
 Da in den griinen Boden 
 Senile ich als Reiser euch. 
 
 Jetzt eure Wipjel schTVan^en 
 So I^iihle liber mir, 
 Ich stehe in Gedan^en 
 Gleichwie im Walde hier. 
 
 Da muss ich oft noch lauschen 
 In meiner Einsam^eit 
 Und den}{ bei eurem Rauschen 
 Der schonen Jugentzeit. 
 
 ElCHENDORFF. 
 
Translations — German Lyrics 255 
 
 VALE 
 
 Farewell, beloved verse. 
 Farewell, thou lovely song! 
 I may not sing again 
 Perhaps the rest of life. 
 
 From beneath divine the world 
 Once rose in beauty rich, 
 As I, in meadows green. 
 Have planted twigs for thee. 
 
 But now thy branches blow 
 Their cooling winds to me, 
 I pause reflectively 
 As in the woodland shade. 
 
 Then must I listen oft 
 In all my loneliness 
 To view in ecstasy 
 The lovely days of youth. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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