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Auf dem Hügel sitz ich spähend
I Sit on the Hill, Gazing

An die ferne Geliebte To the Distant Beloved

Jeitteles

Sitting on the hillside, I look
Into the blue, haze-covered land
For the distant meadows
Where, my beloved, I first saw you.

Now I am far away,
Mountains and valleys part us,
Lie between us and our peace,
Our happiness and the pain we share.

Ah, you cannot see that urgent, glowing look
I send to find you,
And my sighs vanish
In the space that holds us apart.

Can nothing reach you,
Nothing serve as messenger of love?
I will sing, sing to you songs
That will express my woe.

For at the sound of song
Time and space disappear
And a loving heart achieves
What it holds most dear.

Wo die Berge so blau
Where the blue, blue Mountains

An die ferne Geliebte To the Distant Beloved

Jeitteles

Where the blue hills peer
Through the misty grey,
The cooling sun marks the end of day
As clouds draw near,
I want to be there.

There in the peaceful vale
No pain or sorrow can survive.
The primrose, in among the shale,
Quietly reflective in the wind, does thrive,
And I want to be there.

The violence of love drives me away
To trees, my heart-ache to allay…
Never would I be drawn to leave this place
Could I but look forever on your face.

Leichte Segler in den Höhen
Light Sailors of the Firmament

An die ferne Geliebte To the Distant Beloved

Jeitteles

If, clouds sailing in the sky,
And you, brook so clear and cold,
You should come across my dear,
Greet her from me a thousand fold.

If, clouds, you see her walking
In the valley deep in thought,
Create an image of me
High in heaven’s airy vault.

If she stands by autumn bushes
Yellowing, now leafless, there
Tell her what it is I’ve suffered,
Convey the burden of my care.

Gentle west wind, carry to her
On your way
All my sighs that vanish
Like the setting sun’s last ray.

Whisper brook, so cold and clear,
Love’s entreaties in her ear,
And may your current truly show
My tears’ immeasurable flow.

Diese Wolken in den Höhen
These Clouds on high

An die ferne Geliebte To the Distant Beloved

Jeitteles

These clouds on high,
These happy birds, all fly,
My love, to you.
Would I could fly, too.

The winds from the west
Caress your cheek and your breast
And playfully ruffle your hair.
Would I, too, were there.

The brook in sheer delight
Runs to you from yon’ height;
Might it capture your reflection?
Bring it to me, change direction?

Es kehret der Maien, es blühet die Au
May is returning, the meadow's in Flower

An die ferne Geliebte To the Distant Beloved

Jeitteles

May is returning, the meadow’s in bloom,
The breezes are blowing, gentle and warm,
The bubbling streams are running apace.
The swallow comes home to her usual place
And sets about building her bridal suite
Where Love will find a welcome seat.
From here and from there she busily brings
Wool, fluff and grasses, all sorts of things
That will keep the youngsters cosy and warm;
So the loyal couple settle quite true to form.
For what winter has parted May will unite,
Bring together all lovers to their delight;
May is returning, the meadow’s in bloom,
The breezes are blowing, gentle and warm –
Only, I cannot move on from here ……..
Spring unites all those who love,
But no spring to our love appears,
Our love is watered alone by our tears.

Nimm sie hin denn, diese Lieder
Accept them, then, these Songs

An die ferne Geliebte To the Distant Beloved

Jeitteles

Take them then, these songs
Which I, my love, have sung for you.
Sing them once more when evening comes
To the lute so sweet and true.

As the glowing red of sunset
Is drawn down to the lake’s calm blue
And the rays behind the mountain
Sink finally from view

And as you sing what I have sung,
What from a full heart was wrung
Without pretension; the entire
Spectrum of my heart’s desire,

Then, at this sound, all that’s made us grieve
Will disappear
As loving hearts achieve
What they hold most dear.