Rushing wind, roaring wind
There and here!
Tell me where is your homeland!
 
"Little child, we’ve been travelling
For many, many years already
Through the wide, wide world,
And want to ask about our homeland,
Want to hunt down the answer
From the mountains, the oceans,
From the ringing hosts of heaven:
They never know.
If you are more clever than they,
Then you may tell us.
-- Away, we’re off!
Do not detain us!
When others come after us, our brethren,
Then ask again!"
 
Stop! Take your leisure
For a moment!
Tell me, where is the homeland of love,
Its beginning, its end?
 
"Who could tell that!
Mischievous child!"
Love is like the wind,
Quick and lively,
Never resting,
It is eternal,
But not always constant.
-- Away, we’re off!
Do not detain us!
Away over stubble and forests and meadows!
When I see your darling,
I shall greet him.
Child, adieu!"