Mörike: “To the Beloved”

by Eduard Mörike (1804-1875)

Set by Hugo Wolf (1860-1903) , “An die Geliebte”, from Mörike-Lieder, no. 32. Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust, from The Lied & Art Song Texts Page


An die Geliebte


When, from the deep calm I feel at seeing your image,
I mutely take delight in your high worth,
then I properly hear the gentle breathing
of the angel that is disguised within you.

And an astounded, questioning smile springs
to my lips, as I wonder: isn't it a deceiving dream,
that now, in you, to my eternal pleasure,
my boldest wish - my only wish - is fulfilled?

To the depths then to the depths my senses fall;
I hear in the nocturnal distance of divinity
the melodious roaring of the stream of fate.

Dazed, I turn my eyes then upwards,
toward the heavens, and there all the stars are smiling;
I kneel to listen to their song of light.

Eduard Mörike, 1824

Eduard Mörike, 1824