English translations of Vier Lieder für 1 Singstimme und Pianofortebegleitung, opus 32

Linger on me, dark eyes -
exert your entire power,
somber, mild, dream-like,
unfathomably sweet night.

With your magic darkness
take from me this world,
so that above my life
you alone will float forever and ever.

I would like to pass on like the sunset
And like the day with its last glowing -
Oh light, gentle, imperceptible death-
To bleed myself out into the bosom of eternity!

I would like to pass on like the bright star
In the full glow, in undimmed twinkling,
So quietly and painlessly would I gladly
Sink into the deep blue of heaven!

I would like to pass on like the scent of a flower
That joyfully wrings itself from the beautiful calyx,
And on the wings of blossom-laden breezes
Swings itself aloft to the Lord's altar as incense.

I would like to pass on like the dew of the valley,
When the fires of morning thirstily signal to it -
Oh, would God, as the sunbeam drinks [the dewdrop]
Also drink my life-weary soul!

I would like to pass on like the timid tone
That emerges from the strings of a harp,
And, barely having escaped from earthly metal,
Already dies away euphoniously in the Creator's bosom.

You shall not pass on like the sunset,
You shall not pass on like the sinking of a star,
You shall not die the easy death of a flower,
No morning sunbeam shall drink up your soul!

You shall verily pass on, pass on without a trace,
But wretchedness shall first weaken your vigour;
Solely in nature can dying be gentle,
The poor human heart must break piece by piece!

I shall never tell you
How much I love you.
I shall carry it in my heart,
And shall be as [mute]1 as the grave.
 
No song [poem] shall confess it to you,
Shall plead for my happiness;
You yourself must see it,
You yourself [must see it] in my gaze.
 
And if you cannot read
What speaks so tenderly there,
Then it was but a dream.
Do not be angry with the dreamer!

Two grenadiers were returning to France,
From Russian captivity they came.
And as they crossed into German lands
They hung their heads in shame.

Both heard there the tale that they dreaded most,
That France had been conquered in war;
Defeated and shattered, that once proud host, --
And the Emperor, a free man no more.

The grenadiers both started to weep
At hearing so sad a review.
The first said, "My pain is too deep;
My old wound is burning anew!"

The other said, "The song is done;
Like you, I'd not stay alive;
But at home I have wife and son,
Who without me would not survive."

What matters son? What matters wife?
By nobler needs I set store;
Let them go beg to sustain their life!
My Emperor, a free man no more!

Promise me, brother, one request:
If at this time I should die,
Take my corpse to France for its final rest;
In France's dear earth let me lie.

The Cross of Valor, on its red band,
Over my heart you shall lay;
My musket place into my hand;
And my sword at my side display.

So shall I lie and hark in the ground,
A guardwatch, silently staying
Till once more I hear the cannon's pound
And the hoofbeats of horses neighing.

Then my Emperor'll be passing right over my grave;
Each clashing sword, a flashing reflector.
And I, fully armed, will rise up from that grave,
The Emperor's, the Emperor's protector!"