Lenau: “Wish”
Excerpt, “Gems of German Lyrics: Consisting of Selections from Ruckert, Lenau, Chamisso, Freiligrath and Others.” Translated into English Verse by Henry D. Wireman. 1869..
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WISH
Fain would I travel
Far over the sea,
Thou, my beloved,
With thee alone!
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Intruders and list’ners,
And cold disturbers,
Would keep far distant
The surging abyss,
The threatening sea.
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So safe we should be
And happy alone.
Were storms to come
I’d clasp thee firmly
And close to my breast.
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Were billows to thunder
Behold!—Now tires
The roaring commotion,
The waves and the winds are
Falling to slumber,
And over the waters
Tranqulity reigns.
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Thou restest thoughtful
Upon my breast.
So deep the stillness,
My listening heart
Hears answer throbbing
Thy listening heart.
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Though we are alone,
The thoughtful Ocean
Not to disturb, thou
Dost whisper gently,
And softly quiver
Only thy lips,–
The undulating
Leaves of the rose;
I drink in thy words,
The ringing fragrance
Of the lovely rose.
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