The book of the hanging gardens

Translations © by Sharon Krebs

Song Cycle by Arnold Franz Walter Schoenberg (1874 - 1951)

View original-language texts alone: Das Buch der hängenden Gärten

1. Unterm schutz von dichten blättergründen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Unterm schutz von dichten blättergründen
Wo von sternen feine flocken schneien ·
Sachte stimmen ihre leiden künden ·
Fabeltiere aus den braunen schlünden
Strahlen in die marmorbecken speien ·
Draus die kleinen bäche klagend eilen:
Kamen kerzen das gesträuch entzünden ·
Weisse formen das gewässer teilen.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
1. Beneath the shelter of a dense background of leaves
Language: English 
Beneath the shelter of a dense background of leaves
Where delicate flakes of stars drift down,
Soft voices proclaim their sorrows,
From their brown maws mythical beasts
Spew beams [of water] into the marble basins,
From which little brooks hurry forth lamentingly:
Candles came to light the shrubbery,
White forms to part the water.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Line count: 8
Word count: 54

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2. Hain in diesen paradiesen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Hain in diesen paradiesen
Wechselt ab mit blütenwiesen
Hallen · buntbemalten fliesen.
Schlanker störche schnäbel kräuseln
Teiche die von fischen schillern ·
Vögel-reihen matten scheines
Auf den schiefen firsten trillern
Und die goldnen binsen säuseln –
Doch mein traum verfolgt nur eines.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
2. Groves in these paradises
Language: English 
In these paradises, groves
Alternate with flowery meadows,
Halls, brightly decorated tiles,
Slender storks’ beaks frill
The ponds that shimmer with fish,
Rows of birds with a dull sheen
Trill upon the slanting ridges
And the golden rushes sough -
But my dream pursues only one thing.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Line count: 9
Word count: 46

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3. Als neuling trat ich ein in dein gehege
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Als neuling trat ich ein in dein gehege
Kein staunen war vorher in meinen mienen ·
Kein wunsch in mir eh ich dich blickte rege.
Der jungen hände faltung sieh mit huld ·
Erwähle mich zu denen die dir dienen
Und schone mit erbarmender geduld
Den der noch strauchelt auf so fremdem stege.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
3. As a newcomer I entered your close
Language: English 
As a newcomer I entered your close;
Before, no amazement was in my mien,
No wish astir in me, until I looked on you.
Gaze with benevolence upon the clasp of my young hands,
Elect me to those who serve you
And, with merciful patience, spare
Him, who still staggers upon this unfamiliar path.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Line count: 7
Word count: 54

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4. Da meine lippen reglos sind und brennen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Da meine lippen reglos sind und brennen
Beacht ich erst wohin mein fuss geriet:
In andrer herren prächtiges gebiet.
Noch war vielleicht mir möglich mich zu trennen ·
Da schien es dass durch hohe gitterstäbe
Der blick vor dem ich ohne lass gekniet
Mich fragend suchte oder zeichen gäbe.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
4.
Language: English 
Now that my lips are motionless and burn,
I first notice whither my feet have taken me:
Into the splendid realm of other lords.
It was still perhaps possible for me to tear myself away;
Then it seemed as if, through the lofty, cage-like bars,
The gaze before which I had kneeled unceasingly
Was questioningly seeking me or giving me signs.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Line count: 7
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5. Saget mir, auf welchem pfade
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Saget mir auf welchem pfade
Heute sie vorüberschreite –
Dass ich aus der reichsten lade
Zarte seidenweben hole ·
Rose pflücke und viole ·
Dass ich meine wange breite ·
Schemel unter ihrer sohle.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
5.
Language: English 
Tell me upon which pathway
She shall walk past today -
So that from the richest chest
I may draw forth delicate silk fabrics,
[So that I may] pick roses and violets,
So that I may place my cheek
To be a footstool beneath her sole.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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6. Jedem werke bin ich fürder tot
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Jedem werke bin ich fürder tot.
Dich mir nahzurufen mit den sinnen ·
Neue reden mit dir auszuspinnen ·
Dienst und lohn gewährung und verbot ·
Von allen dingen ist nur dieses not
Und weinen dass die bilder immer fliehen
Die in schöner finsternis gediehen –
Wann der kalte klare morgen droht.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
6. I am henceforth dead to every deed
Language: English 
I am henceforth dead to every deed.
To call you near to me with my senses,
To weave new conversations with you,
Service and recompense, permission and forbiddance,
Of all things only this is necessary,
And weeping that the images ever flit away,
[The images] that flourished in beautiful darkness -
When the cold, clear morning threatens.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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7. Angst und hoffen wechselnd mich beklemmen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Angst und hoffen wechselnd mich beklemmen ·
Meine worte sich in seufzer dehnen ·
Mich bedrängt so ungestümes sehnen
Dass ich mich an rast und schlaf nicht kehre
Dass mein lager tränen schwemmen
Dass ich jede freude von mir wehre
Dass ich keines freundes trost begehre.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
7. Fear and hope oppress me alternately
Language: English 
Fear and hope oppress me alternately,
My words stretch themselves out into sighs,
I am beset by such tumultuous yearning
That I do not care about rest and sleep,
That my bed is flooded with tears,
That I thrust every happiness from me,
That I do not desire the comfort of any friend.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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8. Wenn ich heut nicht deinen leib berühre
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wenn ich heut nicht deinen leib berühre
Wird der faden meiner seele reissen
Wie zu sehr gespannte sehne.
Liebe zeichen seien trauerflöre
Mir der leidet seit ich dir gehöre.
Richte ob mir solche qual gebühre ·
Kühlung sprenge mir dem fieberheissen
Der ich wankend draussen lehne.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
8. If I do not touch your body today
Language: English 
If I do not touch your body today
The thread of my soul shall tear
Like an over-tautened sinew.
Crape is a cherished symbol for 
Me, who suffers since I belong to you.
Judge whether such suffering is due me;
Sprinkle cooling drops upon me, the fever-hot one,
Who leans, swaying, outside [of your door].

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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9. Streng ist uns das glück und spröde
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Streng ist uns das glück und spröde ·
Was vermocht ein kurzer kuss?
Eines regentropfens guss
Auf gesengter bleicher öde
Die ihn ungenossen schlingt ·
Neue labung missen muss
Und vor neuen gluten springt.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
9. Happiness is severe with us and aloof
Language: English 
Happiness is severe with us and aloof;
What can a short kiss achieve?
[It is] the shower of a single raindrop
Upon a singed, pale, desolate expanse,
Which devours it untasted,
Which must forego new refreshing
And bursts with new fires.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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10. Das schöne beet betracht ich mir im harren
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Das schöne beet betracht ich mir im harren ·
Es ist umzäunt mit purpurn-schwarzem dorne
Drin ragen kelche mit geflecktem sporne
Und sammtgefiederte geneigte farren
Und flockenbüschel wassergrün und rund
Und in der mitte glocken weiss und mild –
Von einem odem ist ihr feuchter mund
Wie süsse frucht vom himmlischen gefild.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
10. I gaze upon the lovely flowerbed while waiting
Language: English 
I gaze upon the lovely flowerbed while waiting,
It is fenced about with crimson-black thornbushes,
Within stand high calyces with speckled spurs
And velvet-feathered, bowed ferns
And spotted tufts, water-green and round
And in the middle bell-like flowers, white and gentle -
Their moist mouths emit a breath
That is like sweet fruit from the heavenly meadows.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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11. Als wir hinter dem beblümten tore
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Als wir hinter dem beblümten tore
Endlich nur das eigne hauchen spürten
Warden uns erdachte seligkeiten?
Ich erinnere dass wie schwache rohre
Beide stumm zu beben wir begannen
Wenn wir leis nur an uns rührten
Und dass unsre augen rannen –
So verbliebest du mir lang zu seiten.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
11. As we, behind the flowery gate
Language: English 
As we, behind the flowery gate,
Finally perceived nothing but our own breathing,
Did we experience imagined bliss?
I remember that like fragile reeds
We both began to tremble mutely
When we brushed against one another only softly
And that our eyes flowed with tears -
Thus you long remained at my side.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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12. Wenn sich bei heilger ruh in tiefen matten
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wenn sich bei heilger ruh in tiefen matten
Um unsre schläfen unsre hände schmiegen ·
Verehrung lindert unsrer glieder brand:
So denke nicht der ungestalten schatten
Die an der wand sich auf und unter wiegen ·
Der wächter nicht die rasch uns scheiden dürfen
Und nicht dass vor der stadt der weisse sand
Bereit ist unser warmes blut zu schlürfen.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
12. When during holy rest in deep meadows
Language: English 
When during holy rest in deep meadows 
Our hands lie caressingly about each other’s brows,
[When] veneration cools the burning in our limbs:
Then think not of the shapeless shadows,
Which rise and fall upon the wall,
[Think] not of the watchmen, who are permitted to part us abruptly
And [think] not that the white sand outside the city
Is ready to drink our warm blood.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Word count: 66

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13. Du lehnest wider eine silberweide
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Du lehnest wider eine silberweide
Am ufer · mit des fächers starren spitzen
Umschirmest du das haupt dir wie mit blitzen
Und rollst als ob du spieltest dein geschmeide.
Ich bin im boot das laubgewölbe wahren
In das ich dich vergeblich lud zu steigen..
Die weiden seh ich die sich tiefer neigen
Und blumen die verstreut im wasser fahren.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
13. You lean against a silver willow
Language: English 
You lean against a silver willow
At the shore, with the sharp points of the fan
You shield your head as if with bolts of lightning
And, as if you were playing, you twirl your jewelry.
I am in the boat that is protected by leafy vaults,
[The boat] into which I vainly invited you to step . . .
I see the willows that bow down lower,
And flowers that float, scattered, upon the water.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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14. Sprich nicht immer
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Sprich nicht immer
Von dem laub ·
Windes raub ·
Vom zerschellen
Reifer quitten ·
Von den tritten
Der vernichter
Spät im jahr.
Von dem zittern
Der libellen
In gewittern
Und der lichter
Deren flimmer
Wandelbar.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
14. Do not always speak
Language: English 
Do not always speak
Of the foliage,
Booty of the wind;
Of the shattering
Of ripe quinces,
Of the footsteps
Of the destroyers
Late in the year.
Of the trembling
Of dragonflies
In thunderstorms,
And of the lights
Whose flickering
Is changeable.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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15. Wir bevölkerten die abend‑düstern
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wir bevölkerten die abend-düstern
Lauben · lichten tempel · pfad und beet
Freudig – sie mit lächeln ich mit flüstern –
Nun ist wahr dass sie für immer geht.
Hohe blumen blassen oder brechen ·
Es erblasst und bricht der weiher glas
Und ich trete fehl im morschen gras ·
Palmen mit den spitzen fingern stechen.
Mürber blätter zischendes gewühl
Jagen ruckweis unsichtbare hände
Draussen um des edens fahle wände.
Die nacht ist überwölkt und schwül.

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by Stefan George (1868 - 1933)
15. We inhabited the evening-dimmed
Language: English 
We inhabited the evening-dimmed
Arbours, lighted temple, pathway and flowerbed
Joyfully - she with smiles, I with whispering -
Now it is true that she is leaving forever.
Tall flowers pale or breach,
The glassy surface of the ponds pales and breaks
And I miss my step in the boggy grass,
Palms stab me with their pointy fingers.
The sibilant mass of friable leaves
Is whirled about erratically by unseen hands
Outside about the dull walls of Eden.
The night is clouded and sultry.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Line count: 12
Word count: 82

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