by Karl von Lemcke (1831-1913)
“Auf der Heide saust der Wind”
from Lieder und Gedichte, Hamburg, published 1861
.
On the heath blows the wind -
Sweet child, sweet child -
do you wish me, despite the storm and horror,
to go out into the night -
do you wish me to go?
.
On the heath at the top of the mountain
Piles the snow, piles the snow;
It sweeps the street, the gorge and pool alike
with white wings.
Do you wish me to go?
.
Hark! the sound of the sea
is wild and woeful, wild and woeful!
By the willows sits an evil sprite
and my path goes past that place -
Do you wish me to go?
.
For here in your arms,
how cosy and warm, cosy and warm;
Ah, how often have I thought:
if only I could have just one night with you...
Do you wish me to go?
.
.
.
by Karl von Lemcke (1831-1913)
from Lieder und Gedichte, Hamburg, published 1861
I sat at your feet
In the loneliness of the forest;
The breath of the wind, like longing,
Went through the broad treetops.
.
In mute struggle I sank
my head into your lap,
And my shaking hands
I clasped about your knees.
.
The sun set,
The day lost its glow,
Far, far, far away
Sang a single nightingale.