Berg’ und Burgen Schauen herunter
Mountains and castles are looking down

Liederkreis op 24 (Heine) Liederkreis op 24 (Heine)

Heine

Mountains and castles are looking down
On the mirror-bright Rhine
As, bathed in gleaming sunlight
I sail by in this boat of mine.

Peacefully I watch their play as
Golden wavelets purl and dart;
Quietly feelings awaken that
I’d kept deep within my heart.

Greeting me with friendly promise,
The river’s splendour draws me in,
But that superficial gleam, I know,
Is hiding death and night below.

Outward joy, a mischievous heart,
River, you play my lover’s part –
She can beckon as a friend,
Smile sweetly, innocence pretend.