English translations of Tre sange = Drei Lieder, opus 26

Happiness between two human beings 
cannot be likened to the hee and the ho!
Rather it more closely resembles the lonesome strand of grass
That greens the stony road.

Happiness between two human beings 
is by the way neither kisses nor pats, 
Rather, it could be more likened to twilight's whisper and breath,
The way daytime could never do.

Happiness 
is more like the quiet of the pitch-dark night,
Possessed by thousands upon thousands 
of stars.

The deep rifts and gorges 
of all my fears, crumble.
Even the most beautiful flowers in love with each other 
Are made to bow to the wind. 

Also they cause evil 
amongst themselves often more
Than the most hateful enemies 
on earth. 

Just as a glance 
and touching each other's hair 
could heal 
the most painful wound.

On this day your grave 
was covered 
by night old snow.
The rose bowed low 
but in the snow that covered 
your grave thousands upon thousands of prints 
of small birds' feet could be seen 
Through the morning's fog.

You, as the winter snow 
buried in deep sleep,
Lend me your shadow hand 
and then from the heights of heaven,
From where you can see all the paths below, 
guide me on my path 
Help me to find my way by descending
Your motherly tender spirit on my wandering.