by Conrad Ferdinand Meyer (1825 - 1898)
Translation © by Emily Ezust

Hussens Kerker
 (Sung text for setting by A. Schibler)
 See original
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Our translations:  ENG
Es geht mit mir zu Ende,
Mein' Sach' und Spruch ist schon
Hoch über Menschenhände
Gerückt vor Gottes Thron,
 ... 

Den Kerker will ich preisen,
Der Kerker, der ist gut!
Das Fensterkreuz von Eisen
Blickt auf die frische Flut,
Und zwischen seinen Stäben
Seh' ich ein Segel schweben,
Darob im Blaue die Firne ruht.

Wie nah die Flut ich fühle,
Als läg' ich drein versenkt,
Mit wunderbarer Kühle
Wird mir der Leib getränkt --
Auch seh' ich eine Traube
Mit einem roten Laube,
Die tief herab ins Fenster hängt.

Es ist die Zeit zu feiern!
Es kommt die große Ruh!
 ...

Note: the text above is taken from stanzas 1:1-4, 2-3, 4:1-2 of the original text.

Note: Jan Hus (1370(?) - 1415) was burnt in Konstanz as a heretic.

Note for stanza 2, line 7, word 5: Schibler has "Ferne" in his score, but this is probably a typo.

Composition:

    Set to music by Armin Schibler (1920 - 1986), "Hussens Kerker", op. 48 no. 17 (1956-1958), stanzas 1:1-4, 2-3, 4:1-2 [ soli, mixed chorus, men's chorus, and orchestra ], from oratorio Media in vita, no. 17

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

  • ENG English (Emily Ezust) , "Hus's dungeon", copyright ©


Researcher for this page: Jakob Kellner

This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 28
Word count: 137

Language: English  after the German (Deutsch) 
 My end draws near,
 my case and the verdict are now
 out of the hands of man
 and before the throne of God.
 ... 

 This dungeon I will praise,
 the dungeon - it is good!
 The windowbars, a cross of iron,
 looks out upon the fresh waters,
 and between its bars
 I can see a sail hovering.
 Above in the blue, the snow rests.

 How near I feel the water,
 as if I lay submerged therein,
 with wondrous cool
 would my body be steeped -
 I also see a bunch of grapes
 with red leaves
 hanging in from the window.

 It is time to rejoice!
 A great peace draws near!
 ...

Note: the text above is taken from stanzas 1:1-4, 2-3, 4:1-2 of the original text.

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:

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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 28
Word count: 148