Three Songs for Bariton and Cello

Do not keep to yourself the secrets of your heart, 
my friend!
Say it to me, only to me, in secret.
You who smile so gently, 
softly whisper, 
my heart will hear it,
not my ears.

The night is deep, 
the house is silent, 
the birds' nests are shrouded with sleep.
Speak to me 
through hesitating tears, 
through faltering smiles,
through sweet shame and pain, 
the secret of your heart!

He whispered, "My love, raise your eyes."
I sharply chid him, and said "Go!";
but he did not stir.
He stood before me and held both my hands. 
I said, "Leave me!";
but he did not go.

He brought his face near my ear. 
I glanced at him and said, "What a shame!"; 
but he did not move.
His lips touched my cheek. 
I trembled and said, "You dare too much";
but he had no shame.

He put a flower in my hair. 
I said, "It is useless!"; but he stood unmoved.
He took the garland from my neck and went away. 
I weep and ask my heart, 
"Why does he not come back?"

Why are those tears in your eyes, my child?

How horrid of them to be always scolding you for nothing.

You have stained your fingers and face with ink while writing --
Is that why they call you dirty?

O, fie! Would they dare to call the full moon dirty
because it has smudged its face with ink?

For every little trifle they blame you, my child.
They are ready to find fault for nothing.

You tore your clothes while playing --
Is that why they call you untidy?

O, fie! What would they call an autumn morning
that smiles through its ragged clouds?

Take no heed of what they say to you, my child.

Take no heed of what they say to you, my child.

They make a long list of your misdeeds, my child..
Everybody knows how you love sweet things --
Is that why they call you greedy?

O, fie! What  ...  would they call us who love you?