The still night cradles everything
Deep in sweet slumber;
Only love’s longing remains awake
And love’s sorrow.
Creeping around me, without restraint,
Are ghostly spirits of the night;
Yet I remain quiet and true
Beneath your window.

Gentle maiden, can you hear me?
Will you hesitate yet longer?
Or does slumber already
Cradle you in sweet dreams?
No, you are certainly still awake;
Behind the window grate
I can see in the bedroom
That your little lamp still glitters.

Ah, so look, sweet child,
Down out of your window,
For quietly as the evening breeze
Whisper my songs;
Yet it stands to reason that they
Should lament of my longing
And with tender harmony
Tell you: “I love you.”

What is spoken in true love,
Will be heard by the beloved.
But I dare not any longer
Disturb your peace.
Slumber, until the day awakens,
In your cozy chamber;
Until then, fine sweetheart, good night,
Good night, fine sweetheart!