Myrtles

Song Cycle by Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856)

View original-language texts alone: Myrten, op. 25

1. Widmung
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Du meine Seele, du mein Herz,
Du meine Wonn', o du mein Schmerz,
Du meine Welt, in der ich lebe,
Mein Himmel du, darein ich schwebe,
O du mein Grab, in das hinab
Ich ewig meinen Kummer gab!
Du bist die Ruh, du bist der Frieden,
Du bist vom Himmel mir beschieden.
Daß du mich liebst, macht mich mir werth,
Dein Blick hat mich vor mir verklärt,
Du hebst mich liebend über mich,
Mein guter Geist, mein beßres Ich!

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by Friedrich Rückert (1788 - 1866)
1. You my soul, you my heart
Language: English 
You my soul, you my heart,
you my bliss, o you my pain,
you the world in which I live;
you my heaven, in which I float,
o you my grave, into which 
I eternally cast my grief.
You are rest, you are peace,
you are bestowed upon me from heaven.
That you love me gives me my worth;
your gaze transfigures me;
you raise me lovingly above myself,
my good spirit, my better self!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 75

Translation © by Emily Ezust
2. Freisinn
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Laßt mich nur auf meinem Sattel gelten!
Bleibt in euren Hütten, euren Zelten!
Und ich reite froh in alle Ferne,
Über meiner Mütze nur die Sterne.

Er hat euch die Gestirne gesetzt
Als Leiter zu Land und See;
Damit ihr euch daran ergötzt,
Stets blickend in die Höh.

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)
2. Enlightenment
Language: English 
 Just let me prove myself in the saddle!
 Remain in your huts and tents!
 and I will ride joyfully into the distance,
 with nothing above my cap but the stars.
 
 He has set the stars before you
 as guides across land and sea,
 so that you will delight in them
 as you gaze up into the sky.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 58

Translation © by Emily Ezust
3. Der Nußbaum
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es grünet ein Nußbaum vor dem Haus,
Duftig, 
Luftig 
Breitet er blättrig die Äste aus.

Viel liebliche Blüten stehen dran;
Linde 
Winde 
Kommen, sie herzlich zu umfahn.

Es flüstern je zwei zu zwei gepaart,
Neigend, 
Beugend 
Zierlich zum Kusse die Häuptchen zart.

Sie flüstern von einem Mägdlein, das
Dächte
die Nächte
und Tage lang, wusste, ach! selber nicht was.

Sie flüstern - wer mag verstehn so gar
Leise 
Weis'? -
Flüstern von Bräut'gam und nächstem Jahr.

Das Mägdlein horchet, es rauscht im Baum;
Sehnend, 
Wähnend 
Sinkt es lächelnd in Schlaf und Traum.

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

Note for stanza 1, line 4, word 5: some editions of Schumann have "Blätter" instead of "Äste"

by Julius Mosen (1803 - 1867)
3. The walnut tree
Language: English 
A walnut tree stands greenly in front of the house,
fragrantly 
and airly 
spreading out its leafy branches.

Many lovely blossoms does it bear;
gentle 
winds 
come to caress them.

They whisper, paired two by two,
gracefully 
inclining 
their tender heads to kiss.

They whisper of a maiden
who thinks 
day and night long
of... but alas! she does not herself know!

They whisper - who can understand 
such a soft 
song? -
they whisper of a bridegroom and of the coming year.

The maiden listens, the tree rustles;
yearning, 
hoping, 
she sinks smiling into sleep and dream.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 24
Word count: 96

Translation © by Emily Ezust
4. Jemand
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
   Mein Herz ist betrübt -- ich sag' es nicht --
Mein Herz ist betrübt um Jemand;
Ich könnte wachen die längste Nacht,
Und immer träumen von Jemand;
      O Wonne! von Jemand;
      O Himmel! von Jemand;
Durchstreifen könnt' ich die ganze Welt,
   Aus Liebe zu Jemand.
 
   Ihr Mächte, die ihr der Liebe hold,
O lächelt freundlich auf Jemand!
Beschirmet ihn, wo Gefahren drohn;
Gebt sicher Geleite dem Jemand!
      O Wonne! dem Jemand;
      O Himmel! dem Jemand;
Ich wollt' -- ich wollte -- was wollt' ich nicht
   Für meinen Jemand!

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

Confirmed with Robert Burns' Gedichte deutsch von W. Gerhard, Leipzig: Verlag von Joh. Ambr. Barth, 1840, page 217


by Wilhelm Christoph Leonhard Gerhard (1780 - 1858)
4. Someone
Language: English 
   My heart is distressed -- I do not tell of it --
My heart is distressed over Someone;
I could keep watch the longest of nights,
And always dream of Someone;
      Oh rapture! of Someone;
      Oh heaven! of Someone;
I could range through the entire world,
   For the love of Someone.
 
   You powers who look favourably on love,
Oh smile graciously upon Someone!
Protect him where dangers threaten;
Give safe passage to Someone!
      Oh rapture! to Someone;
      Oh heaven! to Someone;
I would wish -- I would wish -- what would not I all wish
   For my Someone!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2016-01-11
Line count: 16
Word count: 95

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
5. Sitz' ich allein
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Sitz' ich allein,
Wo kann ich besser sein?
Meinen Wein
Trink ich allein;
Niemand setzt mir Schranken,
Ich hab' so meine eignen Gedanken.

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)
5. I sit alone
Language: English 
 I sit alone,
 where can I find better?
 My wine
 I drink alone;
 no one sets a limit.
 I have my own thoughts to think.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 6
Word count: 26

Translation © by Emily Ezust
6. Setze mir nicht, du Grobian
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Dem Kellner:
 Setze mir nicht, du Grobian,
 Mir den Krug so derb vor die Nase!
 Wer mir Wein bringt, sehe mich freundlich an,
 Sonst trübt sich der Eilfer im Glase.

Dem Schenken:
 Du lieblicher Knabe, du komm herein,
 Was stehst du denn da auf der Schwelle?
 Du sollst mir künftig der Schenke sein,
 Jeder Wein ist schmackhaft und helle.

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

Note: the word "Eilfer" (line 1-4) is not a typo for "Elfer" as some CD booklets might lead one to believe. Cf. Deutsches Wörterbuch von Jacob Grimm und Wilhelm Grimm: "Eilfer"
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)
6. Don't throw it down, you boor
Language: English 
Don't throw it down, you boor,
pushing the jug so roughly in front of my nose!
He who brings me wine should look at me with friendliness;
otherwise the Eilfer wine grows cloudy in the glass.


You lovely boy, come here -
why are you standing there on the threshhold?
You should be my barman in the future:
then every glass of wine will be tasty and light.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 68

Translation © by Emily Ezust
7. Die Lotosblume  [sung text not yet checked]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die Lotosblume ängstigt
Sich vor der Sonne Pracht
Und mit gesenktem Haupte
Erwartet sie träumend die Nacht.

Der Mond, [der]1 ist ihr Buhle
Er weckt sie mit seinem Licht,
Und ihm entschleiert sie freundlich
Ihr [frommes]2 Blumengesicht,

Sie blüht und glüht und leuchtet
Und starret stumm in die Höh';
Sie duftet und weinet und zittert
Vor Liebe und Liebesweh.

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

View text without footnotes

Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 119.

1 Loewe: "das"
2 Franz: "holdes"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
7. The lotus flower
Language: English 
The lotus flower is anxious
In the Sun's radiance,
And with hanging head
Waits, dreaming, for Night.

The moon, who is her lover,
Awakens her with his light,
And for him she smilingly unveils
Her innocent flower-face.

She blooms and glows and gleams
And gazes silently upwards;
She sends forth fragrance, and weeps and trembles,
With love and love's torment.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Lawrence Snyder, (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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 60

Translation © by Lawrence Snyder
8. Talismane
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Gottes ist der Orient!
Gottes ist der Okzident!
Nord und südliches Gelände
Ruht im Frieden seiner Hände.

Er, der einzige Gerechte,
Will für jedermann das Rechte.
Sei von seinen hundert Namen
Dieser hochgelobet! Amen.

Mich verwirren will das Irren;
Doch du weißt mich zu entwirren,
Wenn ich handle, wenn ich dichte,
Gib du meinem Weg die Richte!

 ...

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

Note: the text above is taken from stanzas 1-3 of the original text.

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)
8. Talismans
Language: English 
God's is the Orient!
God's is the Occident!
Northern and southern lands
repose in the peace of His hands.

He, the only judge,
desires for everyone what is right.
Of each of his hundred names,
let this one be highly praised! Amen.

My errors bewilder me,
yet You know how to disentangle me from my confusion.
When I act, when I write poetry,
show me the right path!

 ...

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view

Note: the text above is taken from stanzas 1-3 of the original text.

Note for stanza 1: "Orient" is the East; "Occident" is the West.
Translation revised 11-12-09 with very helpful suggestions by Bertram Kottmann

This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 22
Word count: 137

Translation © by Emily Ezust
9. Lied der Suleika
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie mit innigstem Behagen,
Lied, empfind' ich deinen Sinn!
Liebevoll du scheinst zu sagen:
Daß ich ihm zur Seite bin;

Daß er ewig mein gedenket,
Seiner Liebe Seligkeit,
Immerdar der Fernen schenket,
Die ein Leben ihm geweiht.

Ja, mein Herz es ist der Spiegel,
Freund, worin du dich erblickt;
Diese Brust, wo deine Siegel
Kuß auf Kuß hereingedrückt.

Süßes Dichten, lautre Wahrheit,
Fesselt mich in Sympathie!
Rein verkörpert Liebesklarheit
Im Gewand der Poesie.

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

sometimes misattributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832) and by Marianne von Willemer (1784 - 1860)
9. As with the most intimate pleasure
Language: English 
As with the most intimate pleasure,
o song, I feel your sense;
lovingly you seem to say,
that I am always beside him;

That he thinks of me always,
and bestows the bliss of his love
evermore on the distant one
who has dedicated her life to him.

Yes, my heart is a mirror,
my friend, in which you see yourself;
this breast, where your seal
you pressed, kiss after kiss.

Sweet poems, clear truth
bind me in sympathy --
purely embody the clarity of love
in the garb of poetry!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 90

Translation © by Emily Ezust
10. Die Hochländer‑Witwe
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
   Ich bin gekommen ins Niederland,
O weh! o weh! o weh!
So ausgeplündert haben sie mich,
Daß ich vor Hunger vergeh.
 
   So war's in meinem Hochland nicht;
O weh! o weh! o weh!
Ein hochbeglückter Weib, als ich,
War nicht auf Thal und Höh!
 
   Denn damals hatt' ich zwanzig Küh';
O weh! o weh! o weh!
Die gaben Milch und Butter mir,
Und weideten im Klee.
 
   Und sechzig Schafe hatt' ich dort;
O weh! o weh! o weh!
Die wärmten mich mit weichem Vließ
Bei Frost und Winterschnee.
 
   Es konnte Kein' im ganzen Clan
Sich größern Glückes freun;
Denn Donald war der schönste Mann,
Und Donald, der war mein!
 
   So blieb's, bis Charlie Stuart kam,
Alt-Schottland zu befrein;
Da mußte Donald seinen Arm
Ihm und dem Lande leihn.
 
   Was sie befiel, wer weiß es nicht?
Dem Unrecht wich das Recht,
Und auf Culloden's blut'gem Feld
Erlagen Herr und Knecht. --
 
   O! Daß ich kam ins Niederland!
O weh! o weh! o weh!
Nun giebt's kein unglückselger Weib
Vom Hochland bis zur See!

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

by Wilhelm Christoph Leonhard Gerhard (1780 - 1858)
10. The highlander’s widow
Language: English 
   I have come down to the lowlands,
Oh woe! oh woe! oh woe!
They have pillaged me to such an extent
That I am perishing of hunger.
 
   It was not thus in my highlands;
Oh woe! oh woe! oh woe!
A more ecstatically happy wife than I
Could not be found in the valley or on the heights!
 
   For back then I had twenty cows;
Oh woe! oh woe! oh woe!
They gave me milk and butter,
And grazed in the clover.
 
   And sixty sheep I had back there;
Oh woe! oh woe! oh woe!
They warmed me with their soft fleece
In the frost and snow of winter.
 
   There was no one in the whole clan
Who could rejoice in greater good fortune;
For Donald was the most handsome man,
And Donald, he was mine!
 
   Thus it remained until Charlie Stuart came
To free old Scotland;
Then Donald had to lend his service
To him and to the land.
 
   What befell them, who does not know it?
Right gave way to injustice,
And upon Culloden’s bloody battlefield
Masters and servants were slain. --
 
   Oh! that I came down to the lowlands!
Oh woe! oh woe! oh woe!
Now there is no woman more unhappy than I
From the highlands to the sea!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2016-01-13
Line count: 32
Word count: 213

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
11. Lied der Braut I
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Mutter, Mutter! glaube nicht,
Weil ich ihn lieb' also sehr,
Daß nun Liebe mir gebricht,
Dich zu lieben wie vorher.

Mutter, Mutter! seit ich ihn
Liebe, lieb' ich erst dich sehr.
Laß mich an mein Herz dich zieh'n
Und dich küssen, wie mich er.

Mutter, Mutter! seit ich ihn
Liebe, lieb' ich erst dich ganz,
Daß du mir das Sein verlieh'n,
Das mir ward zu solchem Glanz.

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by Friedrich Rückert (1788 - 1866)
11. Bride's song
Language: English 
Mother, mother, do not believe
That because I love him so much
I am now short of love
With which to love you as I have in the past.

Mother, mother, since I love him
I now truly love you. 
Let me draw you to my heart
And kiss you as he kisses me!

Mother, mother!  Since I love him
I finally love you completely
For giving me the existence
That has become so radiant for me.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2008 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2008-06-16
Line count: 12
Word count: 77

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
12. Lied der Braut II
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Laß mich ihm am Busen hangen,
Mutter, Mutter! laß das Bangen.
Frage nicht: wie soll sich's wenden?
Frage nicht: wie soll das enden?
Enden? Enden soll sich's nie,
Wenden, noch nicht weiß ich, wie!

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by Friedrich Rückert (1788 - 1866)
12. The betrothed's song II
Language: English 
Let me cling to his chest,
Mother, Mother! Stop worrying.
Don't ask: how shall it change?
Don't ask: how shall it end?
End? It shall never end,
change, I still don't know how!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2005 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.

    Bertram Kottmann.  Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de

    If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2005-02-25
Line count: 6
Word count: 33

Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
13. Hochländers Abschied
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
   Mein Herz ist im Hochland, mein Herz ist nicht hier;
Mein Herz ist im Hochland, im Waldes Revier;
Dort jagt es den Hirsch und verfolget das Reh;
Mein Herz ist im Hochland, wohin ich auch geh!

   Leb' wohl, mein Hochland, mein heimischer Ort!
Die Wiege der Freiheit, des Muthes ist dort.
Wohin ich auch wandre, wo immer ich bin:
Auf die Berg', auf die Berge zieht es mich hin!

   Lebt wohl, ihr Berge, bedecket mit Schnee!
Lebt wohl, ihr Thäler, voll Blumen und Klee!
Lebt wohl, ihr Wälder, bemoostes Gestein,
Ihr stürzenden Bächlein im farbigen Schein!

   Mein Herz ist im Hochland, mein Herz ist nicht hier;
Mein Herz ist im Hochland, im Waldes Revier;
Dort jagt es den Hirsch und verfolget das Reh;
Mein Herz ist im Hochland, wohin ich auch geh!

 ...

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

Note: the text above is taken from stanzas 1-3,1 of the original text.

by Wilhelm Christoph Leonhard Gerhard (1780 - 1858)
13. Highlander's farewell
 (Sung text translation) See original
Language: English 
   My heart's in the highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart's in the highlands, on the forested hunting-grounds;
There it chases the elk and pursues the deer;
My heart's in the highlands, wherever I roam!

   Farewell, my highlands, my native scene
The cradle of freedom, of courage is found there.
Wherever I may wander, wherever I may be:
To the mountains, to the mountains I am drawn!

   Farewell, you mountains, covered in snow!
Farewell, you valleys, full of flowers and clover!
Farewell, you forests, mossy rocks,
You brooklets plunging in colourful sheen!

   My heart's in the highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart's in the highlands, on the forested hunting-grounds;
There it chases the elk and pursues the deer;
My heart's in the highlands, wherever I roam!

 ...

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view

Note: the text above is taken from stanzas 1-3,1 of the original text.


This text was added to the website: 2016-01-13
Line count: 16
Word count: 129

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
14. Hochländisches Wiegenlied
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
   Schlafe, süßer, kleiner Donald,
Ebenbild des großen Ronald!
Wer ihm kleinen Dieb gebar,
Weiß der edle Clan auf's Haar.
 
   Schelm, hast Äuglein schwarz wie Kohlen!
Wenn du groß bist, stiehl ein Fohlen;
Geh' die Ebne ab und zu,
Bringe heim 'ne Carlisle Kuh!
 
   Darfst im Niederland nicht fehlen;
Dort, mein Bübchen, magst du stehlen;
Stiehl dir Geld und stiehl dir Glück,
Und in's Hochland komm zurück!

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

Confirmed with Robert Burns’ Gedichte deutsch von W. Gerhard, Leipzig: Verlag von Joh. Ambr. Barth, 1840, page 233


by Wilhelm Christoph Leonhard Gerhard (1780 - 1858)
14. Highland lullaby
Language: English 
   Sleep, sweet little Donald,
The image of the great Ronald!
The noble clan knows exactly
Who bore the little rascal for Ronald.
 
   Little rogue, you have eyes as black as coals!
When you are grown up, steal a foal;
Go hither and thither on the plain,
Bring home a Carlisle cow!
 
   You must not be absent from the lowlands;
There, my little lad, you may steal;
Steal money and steal happiness,
And return to the highlands!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2016-01-13
Line count: 12
Word count: 77

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
15. Mein Herz ist schwer
 (Sung text)

Subtitle: Aus den hebräischen Gesängen

Language: German (Deutsch) 
Mein Herz ist schwer! auf! Von der Wand 
  Die Laute, nur sie allein mag ich noch hören;
Entlocke mit geschickter Hand
  Ihr Töne, die das Herz bethören!
Kann noch mein Herz ein Hoffen nähren,
  Es zaubern diese Töne her,
Und birgt mein trocknes Auge Zähren,
  Sie fließen, und mich brennt's nicht mehr!

Nur tief sey, wild der Töne Fluß,
  Und von der Freude weggekehret!
Ja, Sänger, daß ich weinen muß,
  Sonst wird das schwere Herz verzehret!
Denn sieh! vom Kummer ward's genähret;
  Mit stummem Wachen trug es lang;
Und jetzt vom Aeussersten belehret --
  Da brech' es oder heil' im Sang

Text Authorship:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view

by Karl Julius Körner (1793 - 1873)
15.
 (Sung text translation) See original
Language: English 
My heart is heavy! arise! Take the lute 
  From the wall, only it alone I still like to hear;
With a skilful hand entice from it
  Sounds that beguile the heart .
If my heart can still nurture a hope,
  These sounds shall magically call it forth,
And if my dry eyes harbour tears,
  They shall flow, and I shall no longer be burnt by pain!

Only deep, wild be the flow of the notes,
  And turned away from joy!
Yea, singer, they must be such that I must weep,
  Otherwise my heavy heart shall be consumed!
For look! It was nourished by anguish;
  With mute watching it long bore its burden;
And now, having been taught by the extremes of pain --
  It must break or heal in song.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2010-06-13
Line count: 16
Word count: 133

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
16. Räthsel
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es flüstert's der Himmel, es murrt es die Hölle,
Nur schwach klingt's nach in des Echo's Welle,
Und kommt es zur Fluth, so wird es stumm,
Auf den Höh'n, da hörst du sein zwiefach Gesumm.
Das Schlachtengewühl liebt's, fliehet den Frieden,
Es ist nicht Männern noch Frauen beschieden,
Doch jeglichem Thier, nur mußt du's seciren.
Nicht ist's in der Poesie zu erspüren,
Die Wissenschaft hat es, vor allem sie,
Die Gottesgelahrtheit und Philosophie.
Bei den Helden führt es den Vorsitz immer,
Doch mangelt's den Schwachen auch innerlich nimmer,
Es findet sich richtig in jedem Haus,
Denn ließe man's fehlen, so wär' es aus.
In Griechenland klein, an der Tiber sic Borden
Ist's größer, am größten in Deutschland geworden.
Im Schatten birgt's sich's, im Blümchen auch;
Du hauchst es täglich, es ist nur ein Hauch3.

Text Authorship:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view

Note: the answer to the riddle is the letter 'h'. Several words in this poem are now spelled without an 'h', such as "Flut" and "Tier", but the riddle would lose meaning if they were modernized.

by Karl Friedrich Ludwig Kannegießer (1781 - 1861)
16. Riddle
 (Sung text translation) See original
Language: English 
Heaven whispers it, it is grumbled by hell,
It sounds only weakly in echo’s wave,
And if it comes to a flood, it becomes mute,
Upon the heights you hear its two-fold humming.
It loves the turmoil of battle, flees peace,
It is given neither to men nor women,
But to every animal, only you have to dissect it;
No trace of it can be found in poetry,
But scholarly disciplines have it, everything else
Theology and philosophy.
It is always at the head when it comes to heroes,
But the wretched also never lack it internally,
It is well and truly found in every house,
For if it were omitted, it would be over.
It is small in Greece, on the banks of the Tiber
It is bigger, and it has become the biggest in Germany.
It hides itself in the shadow, in the little flower too,
You breathe it daily, it is only a breath.
(what is it?) It is only an *

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2016-01-13
Line count: 18
Word count: 160

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
17. Venetianisches Lied I
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Leis' rudern hier, 
mein Gondolier! 
Die Flut vom Ruder sprühn so leise 
laß, daß sie uns nur 
vernimmt, zu der wir zieh'n!
O könnte, wie er schauen kann, 
der Himmel reden -- traun,
Er spräche vieles wohl von dem, 
was Nachts die Sterne schau'n!

Nun rasten hier, 
mein Gondolier! 
Ins Boot die Ruder! sacht!
Sacht auf zum Balkone 
schwing' ich mich, 
doch du hältst unten Wacht,
O, wollten halb so eifrig 
nur dem Himmel wir uns weih'n,
Als schöner Weiber Diensten -- trau'n, 
wir könnten Engel sein!

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

Note: in Freiligrath's published form, this is a poem of two stanzas with four lines each.
by Ferdinand Freiligrath (1810 - 1876)
17. Venetian song I
 (Sung text translation) See original
Language: English 
Row softly here,
My gondolier!
Let the flood spray from the oar so quietly
That only she perceives us --
She, to whom we travel!
Oh if Heaven could speak
As it can see -- truly,
It would speak much of that
Which the stars see at night!
 
Now rest here,
My gondolier!
Take the oars into the boat! Gently!
Gently up to the balcony
I swing myself,
But you keep watch down below,
Oh, if only half as assiduously
We would dedicate ourselves to Heaven,
As we do to the service of beautiful women -- truly,
We could be angels!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2016-02-01
Line count: 19
Word count: 98

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
18. Venetianisches Lied II
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wenn durch die Piazetta
Die Abendluft weht,
Dann weißt du, Ninetta,
Wer wartend hier steht.
Du weißt, wer trotz Schleier
Und Maske dich kennt,
Wie Amor die Venus
Am Nachtfirmament.

Ein Schifferkleid trag' ich
Zur selbigen Zeit,
Und zitternd dir sag' ich:
„Das Boot liegt bereit!
O komm, wo den Mond
Noch Wolken umziehn,
Laß durch die Lagunen,
Mein Leben, uns fliehn!“

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

Confirmed with Ferdinand Freiligrath's sämmtliche Werke, Dritter Band, New-York: Verlag von Friedrich Gerhard, 1858, page 326.

by Ferdinand Freiligrath (1810 - 1876)
18. When through the piazzetta
Language: English 
When through the piazzetta 
blows the cool night air
Then, darling Ninetta, 
I'll come to you there.

Beneath your mask, hiding, 
I'll know you from afar
(2) As love knows, tho' clouding 
its own evening star.

I'll masquerade for you 
as a fair Gondolier,
And whisper, trembling --  
"Our boat, love, is near!"

Now come, under cover 
of the clouds by the moon ...
Now come, fly with me, 
o'er the silent Lagoon.

Text Authorship:

  • Singable translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2009 by Shula Keller, (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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2009-08-10
Line count: 16
Word count: 71

Translation © by Shula Keller
19. Hauptmanns Weib
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
       Hoch zu Pferd!
   Stahl auf zartem Leibe,
   Helm und Schwert
   Ziemen Hauptmanns Weibe.
Tönet Trommelschlag
Unter Pulverdampf
Siehst du blut'gen Tag
Und dein Lieb im Kampf.--
 
   Schlagen wir den Feind,
Küssest du den Gatten,
Wohnst mit ihm vereint
In des Friedens Schatten.
   Hoch zu Pferd!
   Stahl auf zartem Leibe,
   Helm und Schwerdt sic
   Ziemen Hauptmanns Weibe. --

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

by Wilhelm Christoph Leonhard Gerhard (1780 - 1858)
19. The captain’s wife
Language: English 
       Mount your steed!
   Armour upon your delicate body,
   Helmet and sword
   Behoove a captain’s wife.
When the drums sound
Under the clouds of gunpowder,
You shall see the bloody day
And your beloved in the battle.
 
   If we vanquish the enemy,
You shall kiss your spouse,
Shall live united with him
In the shadow of peace.
   Mount your steed!
   Armour upon your delicate body,
   Helmet and sword
   Behoove a captain’s wife.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2016-01-13
Line count: 16
Word count: 72

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
20. Weit, weit
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
   Wie kann ich froh und munter seyn,
Und flink mich dreh'n bei meinem Leid?
Der schmucke Junge, der mich liebt,
Ist über die Berge weit, weit!
 ... ,
Ist über die Berge weit, weit!

   Was kümmert mich des Winters Frost,
Und ob es draußen stürmt und schneit?
Im Auge blinkt die Thräne mir,
Denk' ich an ihn, der weit, weit!
 ... ,
Denk' ich an ihn, der weit, weit!

 ... 

   Er hat die Handschuh' mir geschenkt,
Das bunte Tuch, das seidne Kleid:
Doch er, dem ich's zur Ehre trag',
Ist über die Berge weit, weit!
 ... 
Ist über die Berge weit, weit!

Text Authorship:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view

Note: the text above is taken from stanzas 1-2,4 of the original text.

by Wilhelm Christoph Leonhard Gerhard (1780 - 1858)
20. Far away, far away!
 (Sung text translation) See original
Language: English 
   How can I be happy and merry,
And twirl quickly when burdened with such sorrow?
The handsome lad, who loves me,
Is over the mountains, far away, far away!
 ... ,
Is over the mountains, far away, far away!

   Of what concern is the frost of winter to me,
And whether it storms and snows outside?
The tear glistens in my eye
When I think of him who is far away, far away!
 ... 
When I think of him who is far away, far away!

 ... 

   He gave me the gloves,
The colourful scarf, the silken dress:
But he, in whose honour I wear it
Is over the mountains, far away, far away!
 ... 
Is over the mountains, far away, far away!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view

Note: the text above is taken from stanzas 1-2,4 of the original text.


This text was added to the website: 2016-01-13
Line count: 24
Word count: 189

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
21. Was will die einsame Träne  [sung text not yet checked]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Was will die einsame Thräne?
Sie trübt mir ja den Blick.
Sie blieb aus alten Zeiten
In meinem Auge zurück.

Sie [hatte]1 viel' leuchtende Schwestern,
Die alle zerflossen sind,
Mit meinen Qualen und Freuden,
Zerflossen in Nacht und Wind.

Wie Nebel sind auch zerflossen
Die blauen Sternelein,
Die mir [jene]2 Freuden und Qualen
Gelächelt ins Herz hinein.

Ach, meine Liebe selber
Zerfloß wie eitel Hauch!
Du alte, einsame Thräne,
Zerfließe jetzunder auch!

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

View text without footnotes

Confirmed with Buch der Lieder von Heinrich Heine, Sechsundfünfzigste Auflage (56th edition), Hamburg, Hoffmann und Campe, 1887, page 147. Note: in this edition, the poem is number 29.

Modern German would change "Thräne" to "Träne".

1 Franz: "hat"
2 Cornelius: "die"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
21. What does this solitary tear mean?
Language: English 
 What does this solitary tear mean?
 - it so blurs my gaze.
 It has lingered since long ago
 behind my eye.
 
 It had several shining sisters,
 which have all flown away
 with my agonies and joys,
 flown away in night and wind.
 
 Like mist have also faded away
 the blue little stars
 through which my joys and agonies
 were smiled into my heart.
 
 Alas, my love itself
 has vanished, like a vain breath!
 You old, lonely tear,
 flow down then and be gone!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 83

Translation © by Emily Ezust
22. Niemand
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
  Ich hab mein Weib allein
Und theil' es, traun! mit Niemand;
Nicht Hahnrei will ich sein,
Zum Hahnrei mach' ich Niemand.
Ein Säckchen Gold ist mein,
Doch -- dafür dank' ich Niemand;
Nicht's hab' ich zu verleihn,
Und borgen soll mir Niemand.

  Ich bin nicht Andrer Herr,
Und unterthänig Niemand;
Doch meine Klinge sticht,
Ich fürchte mich vor Niemand.
Ein lustger Kauz bin ich,
Kopfhängerisch mit Niemand;
Schiert Niemand sich um mich,
So scheer' ich mich um Niemand.

Text Authorship:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view

Confirmed with Robert Burns’ Gedichte, deutsch von W. Gerhard, Leipzig: Verlag von Joh. Ambr. Barth., 1840, page 172


by Wilhelm Christoph Leonhard Gerhard (1780 - 1858)
22. No one
Language: English 
I alone have my wife,
And, truly, I share her with no one;
I do not want to be a cuckold,
And I make no one else into a cuckold.
 
A little sack of gold is mine,
But I am beholden to no one for it;
I have nothing to lend,
And no one is to lend to me.
 
I am not master over others,
And I am an underling to no one;
But my blade stabs
And I am afraid of no one.
 
I am a merry chap,
I am despondent around no one;
If no one gives a hoot for me,
Then I give a hoot for no one.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2016-02-09
Line count: 16
Word count: 111

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
23. Im Westen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
   Ich schau' über Forth hinüber nach Nord:
Was helfen mir Nord und Hochlands Schnee?
Was Osten und Süd, wo die Sonne glüht,
Das ferne Land und die wilde See?
 
   Aus Westen winkt, wo die Sonne sinkt,
Was mich im Schlummer und Traume beglückt;
Im Westen wohnt, der mir Liebe lohnt,
Mich und mein Kindlein an's Herz gedrückt!

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

by Wilhelm Christoph Leonhard Gerhard (1780 - 1858)
23.
Language: English 
   I gaze across the Forth over to the North:
Of what help to me are the north and the snow of the highlands?
Of what help are the East and the South, where the sun glows,
The distant land and the wild sea?
 
   From the West, where the sun sinks, there beckons
That which delights me in slumber and dreams;
In the West lives he who repays my love,
And presses me and my child to his heart!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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.
    Contact: 

Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2016-01-13
Line count: 8
Word count: 79

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
24. Du bist wie eine Blume
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
  Du bist wie eine Blume
So hold und schön und rein;
Ich schau' dich an, und Wehmut
Schleicht mir ins Herz hinein.

  Mir ist, als ob ich die Hände
Aufs Haupt dir legen sollt',
Betend, daß Gott dich erhalte
So rein und schön und hold.

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

Confirmed with: Heinrich Heine’s sämtliche Werke in vier Bänden, herausgegeben von Otto F. Lachmann, Erster Band, Leipzig: Druck und Verlag von Philipp Reclam jun, [1887], page 136.

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
24. Thou art, as is a flower
Language: English 
Thou art, as is a flower,
so meek and pure and fine,
I look at thee and sadness
steals o'er the heart of mine.

I feel that both my hands softly
thy hair, thy head should seek,
praying that God may preserve thee
so pure and fine and meek.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2009 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.

    Bertram Kottmann.  Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de

    If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2009-08-10
Line count: 8
Word count: 49

Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
25. Aus den östlichen Rosen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ich sende einen Gruß wie Duft der Rosen,
Ich send' ihn an ein Rosenangesicht.
Ich sende einen Gruß wie Frühlingskosen,
Ich send' ihn an ein Auge Frühlingslicht.
Aus Schmerzensstürmen, die mein Herz durchtosen,
Send' ich den Hauch, dich unsanft rühr' er nicht!
Wenn du gedenkest an den Freudelosen,
So wird der Himmel meiner Nächte licht.

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by Friedrich Rückert (1788 - 1866)
25. A greeting from one far away
Language: English 
I send a greeting like the scent of roses;
I send it to a rosy face.
I send a greeting like Spring caresses,
I send it to eyes full of Spring's light.
Of the storms of pain that roar through my heart,
I send only a breath - so that it will not disturb you harshly!
If you think about this joyless being,
the heaven of my nights will become bright.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 70

Translation © by Emily Ezust
26. Zum Schluß
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Hier in diesen erdbeklomm'nen 
Lüften, wo die Wehmut taut,
Hab' ich dir den unvollkomm'nen 
Kranz geflochten, Schwester, Braut!
Wenn uns droben Aufgenomm'nen
Gottes Sohn' entgegenschaut,
Wird die Liebe den vollkomm'nen 
Kranz uns flechten, Schwester, Braut.

Text Authorship:

Go to the general single-text view

by Friedrich Rückert (1788 - 1866)
26. The end
Language: English 
Here in this oppressive 
air where nostalgia melts, 
I have woven for you an imperfect 
wreath, sister, bride!
When we have reached Heaven,
God's son will await us
and Love will weave for us 
a perfect wreath, sister, bride!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 39

Translation © by Emily Ezust