by Anonymous / Unidentified Author
Translation by John Gibson Lockhart (1794 - 1854)
Serenade
Language: English  after the Spanish (Español)
While my lady sleepeth, The dark blue heaven is bright, -- Soft the moonbeam creepeth Round her bower all night. Thou gentle, gentle breeze! While my lady slumbers, Waft lightly through the trees Echoes of my numbers, Her dreaming ear to please. Should ye, breathing numbers That for her I weave, Should ye break her slumbers, All my soul would grieve. Rise on the gentle breeze, And gain her lattice' height O'er yon poplar trees; But be your echoes light As hum of distant bees. All the stars are glowing In the gorgeous sky; In the stream scarce flowing Mimic lustres lie: Blow, gentle, gentle breeze! But bring no cloud to hide Their dear resplendencies; Nor chase from Zara's side Dreams bright and pure as these.
Authorship:
- by John Gibson Lockhart (1794 - 1854), "Serenade", appears in Ancient Spanish ballads: historical and romantic [an adaptation] [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Based on:
- a text in Spanish (Español) by Anonymous/Unidentified Artist , no title, first published 1604?
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Frances Arkwright (1787 - 1849), "Serenade", published <<1830? [ voice and piano ], from A set of six ancient Spanish ballads, no. 4, London : J. Power [sung text not yet checked]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-10-23
Line count: 27
Word count: 125