Schiller: “Sehnsucht”

By Friedrich von Schiller (1759-1805)

Set by Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828) , “Sehnsucht”, D. 52 (1813), published 1868; and op. 39, D. 636 (1821), published 1826. Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust, from The Lied & Art Song Texts Page

Longing

Ah, from this valley's grounds

that cold mists are pressing,

if I could only find a way out,

ah, how lucky I would feel!

Over there I glimpse pretty hills,

ever young and ever green!

If I had flight, if I had wings,

I would float over to those hills.

Harmonies I hear tinkling,

tones of sweet, heavenly peace;

and light winds bring

to me the scent of balsam.

Golden fruit I see glowing,

beckoning between dark leaves;

and the flowers that bloom there,

will never become Winter's prey.

Ah, how fine it must be to wander

there in eternal sunshine,

and the air on those heights -

O how refreshing it must be!

Yet I am stymied by the charging river,

that roars between us in rage;

its waves are so high

that my soul is horrified.

I see a small boat rocking there,

but ah! the ferryman is missing.

Go briskly to it and without hesitation:

his sails are ready.

You must believe, you must dare it,

for the Gods make no pledges.

Only a miracle can carry you

into that fair land of wonder.