Enclosed all around with jasmine,
A house stands upon green meadows,
And every night it draws me
Toward its deep shadow;
For there lives the lovely maiden,
To whom I have dedicated my heart and my song!
    La, la, la, la, la!
 
When the gentle beam of Selene1
Sinks down upon the scented leas,
Then my songs proclaim [to the maiden]
The joy and agony of yearning,
And only to the lovely maiden
They are dedicated, glowing with love!
    La, la, la, la, la!
 
And I would love to be a breeze
That plays about her cheeks,
That cools her with a spicy wafting
In the silent little chamber;
Oh then I would whisper to her:
Good night and gentle rest!
    La, la, la, la, la!
 
If only I were the nightingale
Whose tones delight her,
I would rock her into slumber
Through the sweet sounding of songs.
Dreaming she would still hearken
To the little singer!
    La, la, la, la, la!
 
And I would like to be the rose
That blooms beautifully upon her breast,
That glows like her cheeks
In the purest magical radiance,
Every petal would contain the vow:
Eternally yours alone, beloved!
    La, la, la, la, la!
 
Thus forever and ever I would like
To hover about my beloved’s brow,
Dedicating my whole life to her,
To her, the most beautiful of maidens!
If she then looked upon me kindly,
Who would be more overjoyed than I! --
    La, la, la, la, la!