Hymnen an die Nacht

by Novalis

Hymns to Night is a pretty astounding prose poem by the German Romantic, Novalis. I am not completely satisfied with the translation I have found, by George MacDonald, although it does have much beauty about it. So I'm trying to put together something better. Want to help? The German is on the left, the MacDonald translation is on the right. As we start to establish a working version, I will put it in the middle. Click 'See suggestions'/'Make suggestion' to find out what people are saying about a particular line, and to contribute your own thoughts. Thanks!

(Click on a chapter number or paragraph number to see only the relevant portion.)

Oh, and it occurs to me I ought to say something about copyright or whatever -- no great legal mind I -- this project is intended primarily for 'publication', so-called, on this web site. Anyone who contributes will be credited, assuming they want to be; no remuneration is in the cards. If something weird happens to the space-time fabric and it becomes possible to publish this extra-blogularly, permission to do so will be sought from all who contributed (and who made it possible to contact them); but the final say about such a thing would be in my court. If things really got wacky and there were money, I would ask everybody about which odd-ball charity to donate it to; but I think I'm getting sufficiently outside the realm of the actual that there is no need to cover the bases.

Also: Gary has posted his own translation in comments to my blog. It is well worth your while.

OriginalWorking   MacDonald
1:1. Welcher Lebendige, Sinnbegabte, liebt nicht vor allen Wundererscheinungen des verbreiteten Raums um ihn das allerfreuliche Licht - mit seinen Farben, seinen Strahlen und Wogen; seiner milden Allgegenwart, als weckender Tag. See suggestions (12)
What living, conscious thing does not love joyful Light above all the wonders of the space which stretches out around him? -- Light with its colors, its rays and undulations; its soft surrounding presence as Day, waking me.		 BEFORE all the wondrous shows of the widespread space around him, what living, sentient thing loves not the all-joyous light, with its colors, its rays and undulations, its gentle omnipresence in the form of the wakening Day?
Wie des Lebens innerste Seele atmet es der rastlosen Gestirne Riesenwelt, und schwimmt tanzend in seiner blauen Flut - atmet es der funkelnde, ewigruhende Stein, die sinnige, saugende Pflanze, und das wilde, brennende, vielgestaltete Tier - vor allen aber der herrliche Fremdling mit den sinnvollen Augen, dem schwebenden Gange, und den zartgeschlossenen, tonreichen Lippen. See suggestions (4)
The firmament of restless stars breathes it in and out, and swims, dances in its azure flood. The sparkling, tranquil stone breathes it, the thoughtful, imbibing plant breathes it, and the wild, burning, manifold beast -- but more than any of these, the majestic stranger with the contemplative eyes, the swaying gait, the sweetly closed, melodious lips.		 The giant-world of the unresting constellations inhales it as the innermost soul of life, and floats dancing in its azure flood; the sparkling, ever-tranquil stone, the thoughtful, imbibing plant, and the wild, burning multiform beast inhales it; but more than all, the lordly stranger with the sense-filled eyes, the swaying walk, and the sweetly closed, melodious lips.
Wie ein König der irdischen Natur ruft es jede Kraft zu zahllosen Verwandlungen, knüpft und löst unendliche Bündnisse, hängt sein himmlisches Bild jedem irdischen Wesen um. See suggestions (4)
Like a king over earthly nature, it summons each and every power to countless transformations, cements and voids endless relationships, hangs its heavenly image over each earthly substance.		 Like a king over earthly nature, it rouses every force to countless transformations, binds and unbinds innumerable alliances, hangs its heavenly form around every earthly substance.
- Seine Gegenwart allein offenbart die Wunderherrlichkeit der Reiche der Welt. See suggestions (4)
Just its presence reveals the magnificence of the world's kingdoms.		 Its presence alone reveals the marvelous splendor of the kingdoms of the world.
2. Abwärts wend ich mich zu der heiligen, unaussprechlichen, geheimnisvollen Nacht. See suggestions (2)
I'll turn aside, to holy, unspeakable, mysterious Night.		 Aside I turn to the holy, unspeakable, mysterious Night.
Fernab liegt die Welt - in eine tiefe Gruft versenkt - wüst und einsam ist ihre Stelle. See suggestions (1)
The world lies far off, sunken in a deep grave -- its place desert and loneliness.		 Afar lies the world, sunk in a deep grave; waste and lonely is its place.
In den Saiten der Brust weht tiefe Wehmut. See suggestions (1)
The chords of my breast sing deep sorrow.		 In the chords of the bosom blows a deep sadness.
In Tautropfen will ich hinuntersinken und mit der Asche mich vermischen. See suggestions (1)
I want to wither down in the drops of dew and to fuse myself with ashes.		 I am ready to sink away in drops of dew, and mingle with the ashes.
- Fernen der Erinnerung, Wünsche der Jugend, der Kindheit Träume, des ganzen langen Lebens kurze Freuden und vergebliche Hoffnungen kommen in grauen Kleidern, wie Abendnebel nach der Sonne Untergang. See suggestions (1)
-- Distances of memory, wishes of youth, childhood's dreams, my whole long life's brief happinesses and vain hopes arise in gray garments, like evening mist after the sun goes down.		 -- The distances of memory, the wishes of youth, the dreams of childhood, the brief joys and vain hopes of a whole long life, arise in gray garments, like an evening vapor after the sunset.
In andern Räumen schlug die lustigen Gezelte das Licht auf. See suggestions (1)
Light has pitched its joyful tents in foreign lands.		 In other regions the light has pitched its joyous tents.
Sollte es nie zu seinen Kindern wiederkommen, die mit der Unschuld Glauben seiner harren? See suggestions (2)
What if it should never return to its children, who wait on it with guileless faith?		 What if it should never return to its children, who wait for it with the faith of innocence?
3. Was quillt auf einmal so ahndungsvoll unterm Herzen, und verschluckt der Wehmut weiche Luft? See suggestions (1)
What is this suddenly arisen in my heart, so full of foreboding, that swallows grief's soft air?		 What springs up all at once so sweetly boding in my heart, and stills the soft air of sadness?
Hast auch du ein Gefallen an uns, dunkle Nacht? See suggestions (1)
Do you also find enjoyment in us, dark Night?		 Dost thou also take a pleasure in us, dark Night?
Was hältst du unter deinem Mantel, das mir unsichtbar kräftig an die Seele geht? See suggestions (2)
What are you hiding in your coat, that touches my soul with such power?		 What holdest thou under thy mantle, that with hidden power affects my soul?
Köstlicher Balsam träuft aus deiner Hand, aus dem Bündel Mohn. See suggestions (1)
Precious balm drips from your hand, from the poppy's seedbox.		 Precious balm drips from thy hand out of its bundle of poppies.
Die schweren Flügel des Gemüts hebst du empor. See suggestions (1)
You lift up the mind's heavy wings.		 Thou upliftest the heavy-laden wings of the soul.
Dunkel und unaussprechlich fühlen wir uns bewegt - ein ernstes Antlitz seh ich froh erschrocken, das sanft und andachtsvoll sich zu mir neigt, und unter unendlich verschlungenen Locken der Mutter liebe Jugend zeigt. See suggestions (1)
Dark and unspeakable, we are moved -- I see a grave face shocked into joy; tender and worshipful it bends to me, and amid the Mother's endless tangled locks reveals sweet Youth.		 Darkly and inexpressibly are we moved: joy-startled, I see a grave face that, tender and worshipful, inclines toward me, and, amid manifold entangled locks, reveals the youthful loveliness of the Mother.
Wie arm und kindisch dünkt mir das Licht nun - wie erfreulich und gesegnet des Tages Abschied. See suggestions (2)
How poor and immature the light now seems to me - how pleasant and blessed the parting of the day.		 How poor and childish a thing seems to me now the Light! how joyous and welcome the departure of the day!
- Also nur darum, weil die Nacht dir abwendig macht die Dienenden, säetest du in des Raumes Weiten die leuchtenden Kugeln, zu verkünden deine Allmacht - deine Wiederkehr - in den Zeiten deiner Entfernung. See suggestions (2)
And so, just because Night makes your servants abandon you, you sowed shining orbs in the vastness of space; to proclaim your power -- your recurrence -- in the seasons of your absence.		 -- Didst thou not only therefore, because the Night turns away from thee thy servants, you now strew in the gulfs of space those flashing globes, to proclaim, in seasons of thy absence, thy omnipotence, and thy return?
Himmlischer, als jene blitzenden Sterne, dünken uns die unendlichen Augen, die die Nacht in uns geöffnet. See suggestions (1)
More heavenly than those blinking stars seem to us the eternal eyes which Night has opened for us.		 More heavenly than those glittering stars we hold the eternal eyes which the Night hath opened within us.
Weiter sehn sie als die blässesten jener zahllosen Heere - unbedürftig des Lichts durchschaun sie die Tiefen eines liebenden Gemüts - was einen höhern Raum mit unsäglicher Wollust füllt. See suggestions (1)
They see farther than the palest of those numberless hosts -- needless of Light they see into the depths of a loving soul -- a soul that fills a higher plane with undescribable bliss.		 Farther they see than the palest of those countless hosts. Needing no aid from the light, they penetrate the depths of a loving soul that fills a loftier region with bliss ineffable.
Preis der Weltkönigin, der hohen Verkündigerin heiliger Welten, der Pflegerin seliger Liebe - sie sendet mir dich - zarte Geliebte - liebliche Sonne der Nacht - nun wach ich - denn ich bin dein und mein - du hast die Nacht mir zum Leben verkündet - mich zum Menschen gemacht - zehre mit Geisterglut meinen Leib, daß ich luftig mit dir inniger mich mische und dann ewig die Brautnacht währt. See suggestions (1)
Praise to the queen of the world, to the high prophetess of the holy worlds, to the curatrix of blessed love -- she sends you to me -- tenderly beloved -- lovely sun of Night -- now I awaken -- for I am yours and mine -- you have proclaimed Night to me, to my life -- made me human -- consume my body with the ardor of my soul, that my vapors might mingle more intimately with you and that our bridal night might endure forever.		 Glory to the queen of the world, to the great prophet of the holier worlds, to the guardian of blissful love! she sends thee to me, thou tenderly beloved, the gracious sun of the Night. Now am I awake, for now am I thine and mine. Thou hast made me know the Night, and brought her to me to be my life; thou hast made of me a man. Consume my body with the ardour of my soul, that I, turned to finer air, may mingle more closely with thee, and then our bridal night endure for ever.
2:1. Muß immer der Morgen wiederkommen? See suggestions (2)
Does the morning always have to return?		 Must the morning always return?
Endet nie des Irdischen Gewalt? Make a suggestion
Will the tyranny of the earthly never end?		 Will the despotism of the earthly never cease?
Unselige Geschäftigkeit verzehrt den himmlischen Anflug der Nacht. See suggestions (6)
Ruinous business consumes the heavenly passage of Night.		 Unholy activity consumes the angel-visit of the Night.
Wird nie der Liebe geheimes Opfer ewig brennen? See suggestions (1)
Will a time never come when Love's secret offering can burn forever?		 Will the time never come when Love's hidden sacrifice shall burn eternally?
Zugemessen ward dem Lichte seine Zeit; aber zeitlos und raumlos ist der Nacht Herrschaft. See suggestions (1)
Light has its time measured off; but Night's empire is boundless and eternal.		 To the Light a season was set; but everlasting and boundless is the dominion of the Night.
- Ewig ist die Dauer des Schlafs. See suggestions (1)
-- Infinite is the dimension of sleep.		 Endless is the duration of sleep.
Heiliger Schlaf - beglücke zu selten nicht der Nacht Geweihte in diesem irdischen Tagewerk. See suggestions (2)
Holy sleep -- gladden Night's servant not too seldom, in this earthly day-labor.		 Holy Sleep, gladden not too seldom in this earthly day-labor, the devoted servant of the Night.
Nur die Toren verkennen dich und wissen von keinem Schlafe, als dem Schatten, den du in jener Dämmerung der wahrhaften Nacht mitleidig auf uns wirfst. See suggestions (1)
Only fools refuse to know you -- they know no sleep except the shadow which you throw down in sympathy for us, in the twilight of the actual Night.		 Fools alone mistake thee, knowing nought of sleep but the shadow which, in the twilight of the real Night, thou pitifully castest over us.
Sie fühlen dich nicht in der goldnen Flut der Trauben - in des Mandelbaums Wunderöl und dem braunen Safte des Mohns. See suggestions (1)
They don't feel you in the golden flood of the grape -- in the almond tree's magical oil, in the brown sap of the poppy seed.		 They feel thee not in the golden flood of the grapes, in the magic oil of the almond tree, and the brown juice of the poppy.
Sie wissen nicht, daß du es bist, der des zarten Mädchens Busen umschwebt und zum Himmel den Schoß macht - ahnden nicht, daß aus alten Geschichten du himmelöffnend entgegentrittst und den Schlüssel trägst zu den Wohnungen der Seligen, unendlicher Geheimnisse schweigender Bote. See suggestions (1)
They don't realize, that you are that which haunts the tender maiden's bosom and makes a heaven of her lap -- never suspect, that you step out of the old stories opening a path to heaven, you carry the key to the dwellings of the blessed, o keeper of infinite secrets.		 They know not that it is thou who hauntest the bosom of the tender maiden, and makest a heaven of her lap; never suspect it is thou, opening the doors to Heaven, that steppest to meet them out of ancient stories, bearing the key to the dwellings of the blessed, silent messenger of secrets infinite.
3:1. Einst da ich bittre Tränen vergoß, da in Schmerz aufgelöst meine Hoffnung zerrann, und ich einsam stand am dürren Hügel, der in engen, dunkeln Raum die Gestalt meines Lebens barg - einsam, wie noch kein Einsamer war, von unsäglicher Angst getrieben - kraftlos, nur ein Gedanken des Elends noch. See suggestions (3)
Back then I shed bitter tears; my hopes were dissolved in pain and melted away; I stood lonely by the barren mound which sheltered, in its narrow, dim interior, the form of my life -- lonelier than ever a loner was, driven by unspeakable fear: impotent, just a fleeting thought of Misery.		 Once when I was shedding bitter tears, when, dissolved in pain, my hope was melting away, and I stood alone by the barren mound which in its narrow dark bosom hid the vanished form of my Life, lonely as never yet was lonely man, driven by anxiety unspeakable, powerless, and no longer anything but a conscious misery;
- Wie ich da nach Hülfe umherschaute, vorwärts nicht konnte und rückwärts nicht, und am fliehenden, verlöschten Leben mit unendlicher Sehnsucht hing: - da kam aus blauen Fernen - von den Höhen meiner alten Seligkeit ein Dämmerungsschauer - und mit einem Male riß das Band der Geburt - des Lichtes Fessel. See suggestions (1)
Back then I looked around me for help; I couldn't move ahead or back, and I clung to my vanishing, extinguished life with endless longing: -- from the blue distance -- from the hills of my long-ago bliss there came a shiver of twilight -- and all at once the bonds of my birth came apart, the chains of Light.		 --as there I looked about me for help, unable to go on or to turn back, and clung to the fleeting, extinguished life with an endless longing: then, out of the blue distances -- from the hills of my ancient bliss, came a shiver of twilight -- and at once snapt the bond of birth, the chains of the Light.
Hin floh die irdische Herrlichkeit und meine Trauer mit ihr - zusammen floß die Wehmut in eine neue, unergründliche Welt - du Nachtbegeisterung, Schlummer des Himmels kamst über mich - die Gegend hob sich sacht empor; über der Gegend schwebte mein entbundner, neugeborner Geist. Make a suggestion
Earthly glory fled, and with it my mourning -- my grief crystallized into a new, unfathomable world -- you, o soul of Night, heavenly Slumber, came over me -- my surroundings gently rose up; and over them my spirit hovered, unchained, born anew.		 Away fled the glory of the world, and with it my mourning; the sadness flowed together into a new, unfathomable world. Thou, soul of the Night, heavenly Slumber, didst come upon me; the region gently upheaved itself; over it hovered my unbound, newborn spirit.
Zur Staubwolke wurde der Hügel - durch die Wolke sah ich die verklärten Züge der Geliebten. See suggestions (1)
The mound turned into a cloud of dust -- through the cloud I saw transfigured the carriage of my beloved.		 The mound became a cloud of dust, and through the cloud I saw the glorified face of my beloved.
In ihren Augen ruhte die Ewigkeit - ich faßte ihre Hände, und die Tränen wurden ein funkelndes, unzerreißliches Band. Make a suggestion
In her eyes eternity reposed -- I held her hands, and our tears became a glittering, unbreakable bond.		 In her eyes eternity reposed. I laid hold of her hands, and the tears became a sparkling bond that could not be broken.
Jahrtausende zogen abwärts in die Ferne, wie Ungewitter. Make a suggestion
Millennia swept by into the past, like a storm.		 Into the distance swept by, like a tempest, thousands of years.
An ihrem Halse weint ich dem neuen Leben entzückende Tränen. Make a suggestion
On her neck I wept ecstatic tears for the new life.		 On her neck I welcomed the new life with ecstatic tears.
- Es war der erste, einzige Traum - und erst seitdem fühl ich ewigen, unwandelbaren Glauben an den Himmel der Nacht und sein Licht, die Geliebte. Make a suggestion
-- That was the first, the only dream: and since then I feel an eternal, unchangeable faith in the heaven of Night and in its Light, my beloved.		 Never was was such another dream; then first and ever since I hold fast an eternal, unchangeable faith in the heaven of the Night, and its Light, the Beloved.
4:1. Nun weiß ich, wenn der letzte Morgen sein wird - wenn das Licht nicht mehr die Nacht und die Liebe scheucht - wenn der Schlummer ewig und nur ein unerschöpflicher Traum sein wird. Make a suggestion
Now I know when the last morning will come -- when Light will no longer banish Night and Love -- when sleep will last forever, an inexhaustible dream.		 Now I know when will come the last morning: when the Light no more scares away the Night and Love, when sleep shall be without waking, and but one continuous dream.
Himmlische Müdigkeit fühl ich in mir. Make a suggestion
I feel in me a heavenly lethargy.		 I feel in me a celestial exhaustion.
- Weit und ermüdend ward mir die Wallfahrt zum heiligen Grabe, drückend das Kreuz. Make a suggestion
Long and tiring was my pilgrimage to the holy grave, under the heavy cross.		 Long and weariful was my pilgrimage to the holy grave, and crushing was the cross.
Die kristallene Woge, die, gemeinen Sinnen unvernehmlich, in des Hügels dunklen Schoß quillt, an dessen Fuß die irdische Flut bricht, wer sie gekostet, wer oben stand auf dem Grenzgebürge der Welt, und hinübersah in das neue Land, in der Nacht Wohnsitz - wahrlich, der kehrt nicht in das Treiben der Welt zurück, in das Land, wo das Licht in ewiger Unruh hauset. Make a suggestion
The crystalline wave which, unnoticed by our senses, arises from the mound's dark bosom, where the earthly flood breaks -- whoever tastes it, whoever stands high on the mountainous edges of the world, looking across into the new land, into Night's abode -- truly, he will never return to the world's tumult, to the land where Light makes its home in ceaseless dischord.		 The crystal wave, which, imperceptible to the ordinary sense, springs in the dark bosom of the mound against whose foot breaks the flood of the world, he who has tasted it, he who has stood on the mountain frontier of the world, and looked across into the new land, into the abode of the Night, verily he turns not again into the tumult of the world, into the land where dwells the Light in ceaseless unrest.
2. Oben baut er sich Hütten, Hütten des Friedens, sehnt sich und liebt, schaut hinüber, bis die willkommenste aller Stunden hinunter ihn in den Brunnen der Quelle zieht - das Irdische schwimmt obenauf, wird von Stürmen zurückgeführt, aber was heilig durch der Liebe Berührung ward, rinnt aufgelöst in verborgenen Gängen auf das jenseitige Gebiet, wo es, wie Düfte, sich mit entschlummerten Lieben mischt. Make a suggestion
He will build himself tabernacles up there, tabernacles of peace, he will feel longing and desire as he looks across, until that most welcome of all hours draws him down into the waters of the spring -- the earthly floats above, but what has been touched by love and become holy runs free through secret passages to the region beyond, where like vapor, it mixes itself with sleeping Love.		 On those heights he builds for himself tabernacles-- tabernacles of peace; there longs and loves and gazes across, until the welcomest of all hours draws him down into the waters of the spring.Afloat above remains what is earthly, and is swept back in storms; but what became holy by the touch of Love, runs free through hidden ways to the region beyond, where, like odours, it mingles with love asleep.
3. Noch weckst du, muntres Licht, den Müden zur Arbeit - flößest fröhliches Leben mir ein - aber du lockst mich von der Erinnerung moosigem Denkmal nicht. See suggestions (1)
But wake, happy Light, this weary man to his labors -- pour joyful life into me -- but you will not lure me away from this moss-covered memorial.		 Still wakest thou, cheerful Light, that weary man to his labour, and into me pourest gladsome life; but thou wilest me not away from Memory's moss-grown monument.
Gern will ich die fleißigen Hände rühren, überall umschaun, wo du mich brauchst - rühmen deines Glanzes volle Pracht - unverdrossen verfolgen deines künstlichen Werks schönen Zusammenhang - gern betrachten deiner gewaltigen, leuchtenden Uhr sinnvollen Gang - ergründen der Kräfte Ebenmaß und die Regeln des Wunderspiels unzähliger Räume und ihrer Zeiten. Make a suggestion
Gladly will I busy my hands, will check everywhere where you need me -- sing the praise of your brilliance -- I will retrace assiduously the lovely harmonies of your skillful work -- gladly will I watch the thoughtful transit of your mighty, radiant clock -- will study the balance of powers and the laws governing the wondrous play of the countless worlds and their seasons.		 Gladly will I stir busy hands, everywhere behold where thou hast need of me; bepraise the rich pomp of thy splendor; pursue unwearied the lovely harmonies of thy skilled handicraft; gladly contemplate the clever pace of thy mighty, radiant clock; explore the balance of the forces and the laws of the wondrous play of countless worlds and their seasons;
Aber getreu der Nacht bleibt mein geheimes Herz und der schaffenden Liebe, ihrer Tochter. Make a suggestion
But my secret heart will remain true to Night and to her daughter, creative Love.		 but true to the Night remains my secret heart, and to creative Love, her daughter.
Kannst du mir zeigen ein ewig treues Herz? Make a suggestion
Can you show me a heart forever true?		 Canst thou show me a heart eternally true?
Hat deine Sonne freundliche Augen, die mich erkennen? Make a suggestion
Does your sun have friendly eyes, eyes that will know me?		 Has thy sun friendly eyes that know me?
Fassen deine Sterne meine verlangende Hand? Make a suggestion
Will your stars hold my yearning hand?		 Do thy stars lay hold of my longing hand?
Geben mir wieder den zärtlichen Druck und das kosende Wort? Make a suggestion
And return my tender touch, my loving word?		 Do they return me the tender pressure and the caressing word?
Hast du mit Farben und leichtem Umriß sie geziert - oder war sie es, die deinem Schmuck höhere, liebere Bedeutung gab? Make a suggestion
Did you bedeck them with colors and soft profile? -- Or was it she who gave thy jewelry its higher, dearer import?		 Was it thou did bedeck them with colours and a flickering outline? Or was it she who gave to thy jewels a higher, a dearer significance?
Welche Wollust, welchen Genuß bietet dein Leben, die aufwögen des Todes Entzückungen? Make a suggestion
What delights, what satisfactions does your life offer, which might outweight the transports of death?		 What delight, what pleasure offers thy life, to outweigh the transports of Death?
Trägt nicht alles, was uns begeistert, die Farbe der Nacht? Make a suggestion
Doesn't everything that inspires us carry Night's standard?		 Wears not everything that inspirits us the livery of the Night?
Sie trägt dich mütterlich, und ihr verdankst du all deine Herrlichkeit. Make a suggestion
She bears you like your mother; you have her to thank for all your splendor.		 Thy mother, it is she brings thee forth, and to her thou owest all thy glory.
Du verflögst in dir selbst - in endlosen Raum zergingst du, wenn sie dich nicht hielte, dich nicht bände, daß du warm würdest und flammend die Welt zeugtest. Make a suggestion
You want to vanish into yourself -- you want to dissipate into boundless space -- but she holds you back, she binds you, that you might be warm, catch fire, beget the universe.		 Thou wouldst vanish into thyself, thou wouldst dissipate in boundless space, if she did not hold thee fast, if she swaddled thee not, so that thou grewest warm, and flaming, gavest birth to the universe.
Wahrlich, ich war, eh du warst - die Mutter schickte mit meinen Geschwistern mich, zu bewohnen deine Welt, sie zu heiligen mit Liebe, daß sie ein ewig angeschautes Denkmal werde - zu bepflanzen sie mit unverwelklichen Blumen. Make a suggestion
Truly: I existed before you -- my mother sent me with my siblings, to live in your world, to make it holy with Love, that it might be a memorial ever visited -- to plant it with never-wilting flowers.		 Verily I was before thou wast; the mother sent me with sisters to inhabit thy world, to sanctify it with love that it might be an ever-present memorial, to plant it with flowers unfading.
Noch reiften sie nicht diese göttlichen Gedanken. Make a suggestion
But these thoughts have not ripened yet.		 As yet they have not ripened, these thoughts divine;
- Noch sind der Spuren unserer Offenbarung wenig. Make a suggestion
-- As yet there is little trace of our coming epiphany.		 as yet is there small trace of our coming apocalypse.
- Einst zeigt deine Uhr das Ende der Zeit, wenn du wirst wie unser einer, und voll Sehnsucht und Inbrunst auslöschest und stirbst. Make a suggestion
When once your clock shows the end of time, then you will become like one of us; full of longing and ardor you will be extinguished and die.		 One day thy clock will point to the end of Time, and then thou shalt be as one of us, and shalt, full of ardent longing, be extinguished and die.
In mir fühl ich deiner Geschäftigkeit Ende - himmlische Freiheit, selige Rückkehr. Make a suggestion
I feel in me the end of your business -- heavenly freedom, blessed return.		 I feel in me the close of thy activity, I taste heavenly freedom, and happy restoration.
In wilden Schmerzen erkenn ich deine Entfernung von unsrer Heimat, deinen Widerstand gegen den alten, herrlichen Himmel. Make a suggestion
In these wild pains I recognize your alienation from our home, your feud against old, majestic heaven.		 With wild pangs I recognize thy distance from our home, thy feud with the ancient, glorious Heaven.
Deine Wut und dein Toben ist vergebens. Make a suggestion
Your rage, your tantrum is in vain.		 Thy rage and thy raving are in vain.
Unverbrennlich steht das Kreuz - eine Siegesfahne unsers Geschlechts. See suggestions (1)
Unconsumed, the cross stands -- a banner of triumph for our kind.		 Inconsumable stands the cross, victory-flag of our race.
4. Hinüber wall ich,
Und jede Pein
Wird einst ein Stachel
Der Wollust sein.		 Make a suggestion
I journey across,
And every pain
Will be a barb,
Now faded, of delight.		 Over I pilgrim
Where every pain
Zest only of pleasure
Shall one day remain.
Noch wenig Zeiten,
So bin ich los,
Und liege trunken
Der Liebe im Schoß.		 Make a suggestion

A little while
And I'll be free,
Lying wasted
In Love's lap.		 Yet a few moments
Then free am I,
And intoxicated
In Love's lap lie.
Unendliches Leben
Wogt mächtig in mir,
Ich schaue von oben
Herunter nach dir.		 Make a suggestion

Everlasting life
Is a wave of power in me.
I am looking from above
Down at you.		 Life everlasting
Lifts, wave-like, at me:
I gaze from its summit
Down after thee.
An jenem Hügel
Verlischt dein Glanz -
Ein Schatten bringet
Den kühlenden Kranz.		 Make a suggestion

By that mound of earth
Your brilliance dies --
A shadow brings
The cooling wreath.		 Oh Sun, thou must vanish
Yon yon hillock beneath;
A shadow will bring thee
Thy cooling wreath.
Oh! sauge, Geliebter,
Gewaltig mich an,
Daß ich entschlummern
Und lieben kann.		 Make a suggestion

Oh! Drink, beloved,
Heartily from me --
That I might sleep
And still be in love.		 Oh draw at my heart, love,
Draw till I'm gone,
That, fallen asleep, I
Still may love on.
Ich fühle des Todes
Verjüngende Flut,
Zu Balsam und Äther
Verwandelt mein Blut -		 Make a suggestion

I feel death's
Rejuvenating flood;
To balsam and æther
It changes my blood.		 I feel the flow of
Death's youth-giving flood;
To balsam and æther, it
Changes my blood!
Ich lebe bei Tage
Voll Glauben und Mut
Und sterbe die Nächte
In heiliger Glut.		 Make a suggestion

I live by day
Full of faith and courage;
And die each night
In holy rapture.		 I live all the daytime
In faith and in might:
And in holy rapture
I die every night.
5:1. Über der Menschen weitverbreitete Stämme herrschte vor Zeiten ein eisernes Schicksal mit stummer Gewalt. Make a suggestion
In ancient times, an iron fate ruled over the widespread families of men, with mute violence.		 In ancient times an iron Fate lorded it, with dumb force, over the widespread families of men.
Eine dunkle, schwere Binde lag um ihre bange Seele. Make a suggestion
A dark, heavy oppression lay upon their nervous souls.		 A gloomy oppression swathed their anxious souls:
- Unendlich war die Erde - der Götter Aufenthalt, und ihre Heimat. Make a suggestion
-- The earth was boundless -- the gods' abode, and their home.		 the earth was boundless, the abode of the gods and their home.
Seit Ewigkeiten stand ihr geheimnisvoller Bau. Make a suggestion
Its structure, full of secrets, stood eternal.		 From eternal ages stood its mysterious structure.
Über des Morgens roten Bergen, in des Meeres heiligem Schoß wohnte die Sonne, das allzündende, lebendige Licht. Make a suggestion
Beyond the red hills of morning, in the ocean's holy lap dwelt the sun: the all-enkindling, living Light.		 Beyond the red hills of the morning, in the sacred bosom of the sea, dwelt the sun, the all-enkindling, live luminary.
2. Ein alter Riese trug die selige Welt. Make a suggestion
An aged giant carried the blessed world.		 An aged giant upbore the happy world.
Fest unter Bergen lagen die Ursöhne der Mutter Erde. Make a suggestion
Imprisoned beneath mountains lay the first-born sons of mother Earth.		 Prisoned beneath mountains lay the first-born sons of mother Earth,
Ohnmächtig in ihrer zerstörenden Wut gegen das neue herrliche Göttergeschlecht und dessen Verwandten, die fröhlichen Menschen. Make a suggestion
Powerless in their destroying Fury against the glorious new race of gods, and their kindred, the happy race of men.		 helpless in their destroying fury against the new, glorious race of gods, and their kindred, glad-hearted men.
Des Meers dunkle, grüne Tiefe war einer Göttin Schoß. Make a suggestion
Ocean's dusky, green abyss was the lap of a goddess.		 Ocean's dusky, green abyss was the lap of a goddess.
In den kristallenen Grotten schwelgte ein üppiges Volk. Make a suggestion
In the crystal grottos revelled a wanton folk.		 In the crystal grottos revelled a wanton folk.
Flüsse, Bäume, Blumen und Tiere hatten menschlichen Sinn. Make a suggestion
Rivers, trees, flowers, and beasts had human sense.		 Rivers, trees, flowers, and beasts had human wits.
Süßer schmeckte der Wein von sichtbarer Jugendfülle geschenkt - ein Gott in den Trauben - eine liebende, mütterliche Göttin, emporwachsend in vollen goldenen Garben - der Liebe heil'ger Rausch ein süßer Dienst der schönsten Götterfrau - ein ewig buntes Fest der Himmelskinder und der Erdbewohner, rauschte das Leben, wie ein Frühling, durch die Jahrhunderte hin. Make a suggestion
Sweet tasted the wine, the gift of personified Youth -- the god in the grapes -- a loving, motherly goddess grew among the full golden sheaves -- Love's holy intoxication, sweet worship of this most beautiful goddess -- an eternally colorful festival of the children of earth, life moved in constant spring-time through the centuries.		 Sweeter tasted the wine, poured out by Youth impersonated; a god was in the grape-clusters; a loving, motherly goddess upgrew in the full golden sheaves; love's sacred carousal was a sweet worship of the fairest of the goddesses. Life revelled through the centuries like one spring-time, an ever-variegated festival of the children of and the dewllers on the earth.
- Alle Geschlechter verehrten kindlich die zarte, tausendfältige Flamme als das Höchste der Welt. Make a suggestion
Childlike, all races adored the etheral, thousand-fold flame above all else in the world.		 All races childlike adored the ethereal, thousand-fold flame as the one sublimest thing in the world.
Ein Gedanke nur war es, ein entsetzliches Traumbild. Make a suggestion
It was but a fancy, a horrible dream-image.		 It was but a fancy, a horrible dream-shape--
3. Das furchtbar zu den frohen Tischen trat
Und das Gemüt in wilde Schrecken hüllte.		 See suggestions (1)
-- One that strode fearsome to the happy tables,
And brought the noble heart to wild fear.		 That fearsome to the merry tables strode,
And wrapt the spirit in wild consternation.
Hier wußten selbst die Götter keinen Rat,
Der die beklommne Brust mit Trost erfüllte.		 Make a suggestion

Here the gods themselves could offer no advice,
To console the frightened heart.		 The gods themselves here counsel knew nor showed
To fill the stifling heart with consolation.
Geheimnisvoll war dieses Unholds Pfad,
Des Wut kein Flehn und keine Gabe stillte;		 Make a suggestion

Mysterious was this monster's path;
No entreaty, no offering could calm its rage;		 Mysterious was the monster's pathless road,
Whose rage would heed no prayer and no oblation;
Es war der Tod, der dieses Lustgelag
Mit Angst und Schmerz und Tränen unterbrach.		 Make a suggestion

It was Death, at this pleasant feast --
He broke it up with fear and pain and tears.		 'Twas Death who broke the banquet up with fears,
With anguish, with dire pain, and bitter tears.
4. Auf ewig nun von allem abgeschieden,
Was hier das Herz in süßer Wollust regt,		 Make a suggestion
 Eternally from all things here disparted
That sway the heart with pleasure's joyous flow,
Getrennt von den Geliebten, die hienieden
Vergebne Sehnsucht, langes Weh bewegt,		 Make a suggestion
 Divided from the loved, whom, broken-hearted,
Vain longing tosses and unceasing woe--
Schien matter Traum dem Toten nur beschieden,
Ohnmächtiges Ringen nur ihm auferlegt.		 Make a suggestion
 In a dull dream to struggle, faint and thwarted,
Seemed all was granted to the dead below!
Zerbrochen war die Woge des Genusses
Am Felsen des unendlichen Verdrusses.		 Make a suggestion
 Broke lay the merry wave of human glory
On Death's inevitable promontory.
5. Mit kühnem Geist und hoher Sinnenglut
Verschönte sich der Mensch die grause Larve,		 Make a suggestion
 With daring flight, aloft Thoughts pinions sweep;
The horrid thing with beauty'ss robe men cover:
Ein sanfter Jüngling löscht das Licht und ruht -
Sanft wird das Ende, wie ein Wehn der Harfe.		 Make a suggestion
 A gentle youth puts out his torch, to sleep;
Sweet comes the end, like moaning lute of lover.
Erinnerung schmilzt in kühler Schattenflut,
So sang das Lied dem traurigen Bedarfe.		 Make a suggestion
 Cool shadow-floods o'er melting memory creep:
So sang the song, for Misery was the mover.
Doch unenträtselt blieb die ew'ge Nacht,
Das ernste Zeichen einer fernen Macht.		 Make a suggestion
 Still undeciphered lay the endless Night--
The solemn symbol of a far-off Might.
6. Zu Ende neigte die alte Welt sich. Make a suggestion
 The old world began to decline.
Des jungen Geschlechts Lustgarten verwelkte - hinauf in den freieren, wüsten Raum strebten die unkindlichen, wachsenden Menschen. Make a suggestion
 The pleasure-garden of the young race withered away; up into opener, regions and desolate, forsaking his childhood, struggled the growing man.
Die Götter verschwanden mit ihrem Gefolge. Make a suggestion
 The gods vanished with their retinue.
- Einsam und leblos stand die Natur. Make a suggestion
 Nature stood alone and lifeless.
Mit eiserner Kette band sie die dürre Zahl und das strenge Maß. Make a suggestion
 Dry Number and rigid Measure bound her with iron chains.
Wie in Staub und Lüfte zerfiel in dunkle Worte die unermeßliche Blüte des Lebens. Make a suggestion
 As into dust and air the priceless blossoms of life fell away in words obscure.
Entflohn war der beschwörende Glauben und die allverwandelnde, allverschwisternde Himmelsgenossin, die Phantasie. Make a suggestion
 Gone was wonder-working Faith, and its all-transforming, all-uniting angel-comrade, the Imagination.
Unfreundlich blies ein kalter Nordwind über die erstarrte Flur, und die erstarrte Wunderheimat verflog in den Äther. Make a suggestion
 A cold north wind blew unkindly over the torpid plain, and the wonderland first froze, then evaporated into æther.
Des Himmels Fernen füllten mit leuchtenden Welten sich. Make a suggestion
 The far depths of heaven filled with flashing worlds.
Ins tiefre Heiligtum, in des Gemüts höhern Raum zog mit ihren Mächten die Seele der Welt - zu walten dort bis zum Anbruch der tagenden Weltherrlichkeit. Make a suggestion
 Into the deeper sanctuary, into the more exalted region of the mind, the soul of the world retired with all her powers, there to rule until the dawn should break of the glory universal.
Nicht mehr war das Licht der Götter Aufenthalt und himmlisches Zeichen - den Schleier der Nacht warfen sie über sich. Make a suggestion
 No longer was the Light the abode of the gods, and the heavenly token of their presence: they cast over them the veil of the Night.
Die Nacht ward der Offenbarungen mächtiger Schoß - in ihn kehrten die Götter zurück - schlummerten ein, um in neuen herrlichern Gestalten auszugehn über die veränderte Welt. Make a suggestion
 The Night became the mighty womb of revelations; into it the gods went back, and fell asleep, to go abroad in new and more glorious shapes over the transfigured world.
Im Volk, das vor allen verachtet zu früh reif und der seligen Unschuld der Jugend trotzig fremd geworden war, erschien mit niegesehenem Angesicht die neue Welt - in der Armut dichterischer Hütte - ein Sohn der ersten Jungfrau und Mutter - geheimnisvoller Umarmung unendliche Frucht. Make a suggestion
 Among the people which, untimely ripe, was become of all the most scornful and insolently hostile to the blessed innocence of youth, appeared the New World, in guise never seen before, in the song-favouring hut of poverty, a son of the first maid and mother, the eternal fruit of mysterious embrace.
Des Morgenlands ahndende, blütenreiche Weisheit erkannte zuerst der neuen Zeit Beginn. Make a suggestion
 The foreseeing, rich-blossoming wisdom of the East at once recognized the beginning of the new age;
- Zu des Königs demütiger Wiege wies ihr ein Stern den Weg. Make a suggestion
 a star showed it the way to the lowly cradle of the king.
In der weiten Zukunft Namen huldigten sie ihm mit Glanz und Duft, den höchsten Wundern der Natur. Make a suggestion
 In the name of the far-reaching future, they did him homage with lustre and odour, the highest wonders of Nature.
Einsam entfaltete das himmlische Herz sich zu einem Blütenkelch allmächt'ger Liebe - des Vaters hohem Antlitz zugewandt und ruhend an dem ahndungssel'gen Busen der lieblich ernsten Mutter. Make a suggestion
 In solitude the heavenly heart unfolded itelf to a flower-chalice of almighty love, upturned to the supreme face of the father, and resting on the bliss-boding bosom of the sweetly solemn mother.
Mit vergötternder Inbrunst schaute das weissagende Auge des blühenden Kindes auf die Tage der Zukunft, nach seinen Geliebten, den Sprossen seines Götterstamms, unbekümmert über seiner Tage irdisches Schicksal. Make a suggestion
 With deifying fervour the prophetic eye of the blooming child beheld the years to come, foresaw, untroubled over the earthly lot of his own days, the beloved offspring of his divine stem.
Bald sammelten die kindlichsten Gemüter, von inniger Liebe wundersam ergriffen, sich um ihn her. Make a suggestion
 Ere long the most childlike souls, by true love marvellously possessed, gathered about him.
Wie Blumen keimte ein neues fremdes Leben in seiner Nähe. Make a suggestion
 Like flowers sprang up a strange new life in his presence.
Unerschöpfliche Worte und der Botschaften fröhlichste fielen wie Funken eines göttlichen Geistes von seinen freundlichen Lippen. Make a suggestion
 Words inexhaustible and the most joyful fell like sparks of a divine spirit from his friendly lips.
Von ferner Küste, unter Hellas' heiterm Himmel geboren, kam ein Sänger nach Palästina und ergab sein ganzes Herz dem Wunderkinde: Make a suggestion
 From a far shore, came a singer, born under the clear sky of Hellas, to Palestine, and gave up his whole heart to the marvellous child:-
7. Der Jüngling bist du, der seit langer Zeit
Auf unsern Gräbern steht in tiefen Sinnen;		 Make a suggestion
 The youth thou art who ages long hast stood
Upon our graves, lost in am aze of weening;
Ein tröstlich Zeichen in der Dunkelheit -
Der höhern Menschheit freudiges Beginnen.		 Make a suggestion
 Sign in the darkness of God's tidings good,
Whence hints og growth humanity is gleaning;
Was uns gesenkt in tiefe Traurigkeit,
Zieht uns mit süßer Sehnsucht nun von hinnen.		 Make a suggestion
 For that we long, on that we sweetly brood
Which erst in woe had lost all life and meaning;
Im Tode ward das ew'ge Leben kund,
Du bist der Tod und machst uns erst gesund.		 Make a suggestion
 In everlasting life death found its goal,
For thou art Death who at last mak'st us whole.
8. Der Sänger zog voll Freudigkeit nach Indostan - das Herz von süßer Liebe trunken, und schüttete in feurigen Gesängen es unter jenem milden Himmel aus, daß tausend Herzen sich zu ihm neigten und die fröhliche Botschaft tausendzweigig emporwuchs. Make a suggestion
 Filled with joy, the singer went on to Indostan, his heart intoxicated with the sweetest love, and poured it out in fiery songs under that tender sky, so that a thousand hearts bowed to him, and the good news sprang up with a thousand branches.
Bald nach des Sängers Abschied ward das köstliche Leben ein Opfer des menschlichen tiefen Verfalls. Make a suggestion
 Soon after the singer's departure, his precious life was made a sacrifice for the deep fall of man.
- Er starb in jungen Jahren, weggerissen von der geliebten Welt, von der weinenden Mutter und seinen zagenden Freunden. Make a suggestion
 He died in his youth, torn away from his loved world, from his weeping mother, and his trembling friends.
Der unsäglichen Leiden dunkeln Kelch leerte der liebliche Mund. Make a suggestion
 His lovely mouth emptied the dark cup of unspeakable wrongs.
- In entsetzlicher Angst nahte die Stunde der Geburt der neuen Welt. Make a suggestion
 In horrible anguish the birth of the new world drew near.
Hart rang er mit des alten Todes Schrecken. Make a suggestion
 Hard he wrestled with the terrors of old Death;
- Schwer lag der Druck der alten Welt auf ihm. Make a suggestion
 heavy lay the weight of the old world upon him.
Noch einmal sah er freundlich nach der Mutter - da kam der ewigen Liebe lösende Hand - und er entschlief. Make a suggestion
 Yet once more he looked kindly at his mother; then came the releasing hand of the Love eternal, and he fell asleep.
Nur wenig Tage hing ein tiefer Schleier über das brausende Meer, über das bebende Land - unzählige Tränen weinten die Geliebten. Make a suggestion
 Only a few days hung a deep veil over the roaring sea, over the quaking land; countless tears wept his loved ones;
- Entsiegelt ward das Geheimnis - himmlische Geister hoben den uralten Stein vom dunkeln Grabe. Make a suggestion
 the mystery was unsealed: heavenly spirits heaved the ancient stone from the gloomy grave.
Engel saßen bei dem Schlummernden - aus seinen Träumen zart gebildet. Make a suggestion
 Angels sat by the sleeper, sweetly outbodied from his dreams;
- Erwacht in neuer Götterherrlichkeit erstieg er die Höhe der neugebornen Welt - begrub mit eigner Hand der Alten Leichnam in die verlaßne Höhle und legte mit allmächtiger Hand den Stein, den keine Macht erhebt, darauf. Make a suggestion
 awaked in new Godlike glory, he clomb the limits of the new-born world, buried with his own hand the old corpse in the forsaken cavity, and with hand almighty laid upon it the stone which no power shall again upheave.
9. Noch weinen deine Lieben Tränen der Freude, Tränen der Rührung und des unendlichen Danks an deinem Grabe - sehn dich noch immer, freudig erschreckt, auferstehn - und sich mit dir; sehn dich weinen mit süßer Inbrunst an der Mutter seligem Busen, ernst mit den Freunden wandeln, Worte sagen, wie vom Baum des Lebens gebrochen; sehen dich eilen mit voller Sehnsucht in des Vaters Arm, bringend die junge Menschheit und der goldnen Zukunft unversieglichen Becher. Make a suggestion
 Yet weep thy loved ones over thy grave tears of joy, tears of emotion, tears of endless thanksgiving; ever afresh with joyous start, they see thee rise again, and themselves with thee; behold thee weep with soft fervour on the blessed bosom of thy mother, walk in thoughtful communion with thy friends, uttering words plucked as from the tree of life; see thee hasten, full of longing, into thy father's arms, bearing with thee youthful Humanity, and the inexhaustible cup of the golden Future.
Die Mutter eilte bald dir nach - in himmlischem Triumph. Make a suggestion
 Soon the mother hastened after thee in heavenly triumph;
- Sie war die erste in der neuen Heimat bei dir. Make a suggestion
 she was the first with thee in the new home.
Lange Zeiten entflossen seitdem, und in immer höherm Glanze regte deine neue Schöpfung sich - und Tausende zogen aus Schmerzen und Qualen, voll Glauben und Sehnsucht und Treue dir nach - wallen mit dir und der himmlischen Jungfrau im Reiche der Liebe - dienen im Tempel des himmlischen Todes und sind in Ewigkeit dein. Make a suggestion
 Since then, long ages have flowed past, and in splendour ever-increasing have bestirred thy new creation, and thousands have, out of pangs and tortures, followed thee, filled with faith and longing and truth, and are walking about with thee and the heavenly virgin in the kingdom of Love, minister in the temple of heavenly Death, and forever thine.
10. Gehoben ist der Stein -
Die Menschheit ist erstanden -
Wir alle bleiben dein
Und fühlen keine Banden.		 Make a suggestion
 Uplifted is the stone,
And all mankind is risen;
We all remain thine own.
And vanished is our prison.
Der herbste Kummer fleucht
Vor deiner goldnen Schale,
Wenn Erd und Leben weicht
Im letzten Abendmahle.		 Make a suggestion
 All troubles flee away
Before thy golden cup;
For Earth nor Life can stay
When with our Lord we sup.
11. Zur Hochzeit ruft der Tod -
Die Lampen brennen helle -
Die Jungfraun sind zur Stelle -
Um Öl ist keine Not -
Erklänge doch die Ferne
Von deinem Zuge schon,
Und ruften uns die Sterne
Mit Menschenzung' und Ton.		 Make a suggestion
 To the marriage Death doth call;
No virgin holdeth back;
The lamps burn lustrous all;
Of oil there is no lack.
Would thy far feet were waking
The echoes of our street!
And that the stars were making
Signal with voices sweet.
12. Nach dir, Maria, heben
Schon tausend Herzen sich.		 Make a suggestion
 To thee, O mother maiden
Ten thousand hearts aspire;
In diesem Schattenleben
Verlangten sie nur dich.		 Make a suggestion
 In this life, sorrow-laden,
Thee only they desire.
Sie hoffen zu genesen
Mit ahndungsvoller Lust -		 Make a suggestion
 In thee they hope for healing;
In thee expect true rest,
Drückst du sie, heil'ges Wesen,
An deine treue Brust.		 Make a suggestion
 When thou, their safety sealing,
Shalt clasp them to thy breast.
13. So manche, die sich glühend
In bittrer Qual verzehrt
Und dieser Welt entfliehend
Nach dir sich hingekehrt;		 Make a suggestion
 With disappointment burning
Who made in hell their bed,
At last from this world turning
To thee have looked and fled:
Die hülfreich uns erschienen
In mancher Not und Pein -
Wir kommen nun zu ihnen,
Um ewig da zu sein.		 Make a suggestion
 Helpful thou hast appeared
To us in many a pain:
Now to thy home we've neared,
Not to go out again!
14. Nun weint an keinem Grabe
Für Schmerz, wer liebend glaubt,
Der Liebe süße Habe
Wird keinem nicht geraubt -		 Make a suggestion
 Now at no grave are weeping
Such as do love and pray;
The gift that Love is keeping
From none is taken away.
Die Sehnsucht ihm zu lindern,
Begeistert ihn die Nacht -
Von treuen Himmelskindern
Wird ihm sein Herz bewacht.		 Make a suggestion
 To soothe and quiet our longing,
Night comes, and stills the smart;
Heaven's children round us thronging
Watch and ward our heart.
15. Getrost, das Leben schreitet
Zum ew'gen Leben hin;
Von innrer Glut geweitet
Verklärt sich unser Sinn.		 Make a suggestion
 Courage! for life is striding
To endless life along;
The sense in love abiding,
Grows clearer and more strong.
Die Sternwelt wird zerfließen
Zum goldnen Lebenswein,
Wir werden sie genießen
Und lichte Sterne sein.		 Make a suggestion
 One day the stars, down dripping,
Shall flow in golden wine:
We, of that nectar sipping,
As living stars will shine.
16. Die Lieb ist frei gegeben,
Und keine Trennung mehr.		 Make a suggestion
 Free, from the tomb emerges
Love, to die never more;
Es wogt das volle Leben
Wie ein unendlich Meer.		 Make a suggestion
 Fulfilled, life heaves and surges
A sea without a shore.
Nur eine Nacht der Wonne -
Ein ewiges Gedicht -		 Make a suggestion
 All night! all blissful leisure!
One jubilating ode!
Und unser aller Sonne
Ist Gottes Angesicht.		 Make a suggestion
 And the sun of all our pleasure
The countenance of God.
6:1. Hinunter in der Erde Schoß,
Weg aus des Lichtes Reichen,		 See suggestions (1)
 Into the bosom of the earth!
Out of the Light's dominions!
Der Schmerzen Wut und wilder Stoß
Ist froher Abfahrt Zeichen.		 Make a suggestion
 Death's pains are but the bursting forth
Of glad departures pinions!
Wir kommen in dem engen Kahn
Geschwind am Himmelsufer an.		 Make a suggestion
 Swift in the narrow little boat,
Swift to the heavenly shore we float!
2. Gelobt sei uns die ew'ge Nacht,
Gelobt der ew'ge Schlummer.		 Make a suggestion
 Blest be the everlasting Night,
And blest the endless slumber!
Wohl hat der Tag uns warm gemacht
Und welk der lange Kummer.		 Make a suggestion
 We are heated with the day too bright,
And withered up with cumber!
Die Lust der Fremde ging uns aus,
Zum Vater wollen wir nach Haus.		 Make a suggestion
 We're weary of that life abroad:
Come, we will now go home to God!
3. Was sollen wir auf dieser Welt
Mit unsrer Lieb und Treue.		 Make a suggestion
 Why longer in this world abide?
Why love and truth here cherish?
Das Alte wird hintangestellt,
Was soll uns dann das Neue.		 Make a suggestion
 That which is old is set aside--
For us the new may perish!
Oh! einsam steht und tiefbetrübt,
Wer heiß und fromm die Vorzeit liebt.		 Make a suggestion
 Alone he stands and sore downcast
Who loves with pious warmth the Past.
4. Die Vorzeit, wo die Sinne licht
In hohen Flammen brannten,		 Make a suggestion
 The Past where yet the human spirit
In lofty flames did rise;
Des Vaters Hand und Angesicht
Die Menschen noch erkannten,		 Make a suggestion
 Where men the Father did inherit,
His countenance recognize;
Und hohen Sinns, einfältiglich
Noch mancher seinem Urbild glich.		 Make a suggestion
 And, in simplicity made ripe,
Many grew like their archetype.
5. Die Vorzeit, wo noch blütenreich
Uralte Stämme prangten		 Make a suggestion
 The Past wherein, still rich in bloom
Old stems did burgeon glorious;
Und Kinder für das Himmelreich
Nach Qual und Tod verlangten.		 Make a suggestion
 And children, for the world to come,
Sought pain and death victorious;
Und wenn auch Lust und Leben sprach,
Doch manches Herz für Liebe brach.		 Make a suggestion
 And, through both life and pleasure spake,
Yet many a heart for love did break.
6. Die Vorzeit, wo in Jugendglut
Gott selbst sich kundgegeben		 Make a suggestion
 The Past, where to the flow of youth
God yet himself declared;
Und frühem Tod in Liebesmut
Geweiht sein süßes Leben.		 Make a suggestion
 And early death in loving truth
The young beheld, and dared--
Und Angst und Schmerz nicht von sich trieb,
Damit er uns nur teuer blieb.		 Make a suggestion
 Anguish and torture parient bore
To prove they loved him as of yore
7. Mit banger Sehnsucht sehn wir sie
In dunkle Nacht gehüllet,		 Make a suggestion
 With anxious yearning now we see
That Past in darkness drenched;
In dieser Zeitlichkeit wird nie
Der heiße Durst gestillet.		 Make a suggestion
 With this world's water never we
Shall find our hot thirst quenched:
Wir müssen nach der Heimat gehn,
Um diese heil'ge Zeit zu sehn.		 Make a suggestion
 To our old home we have to go
That blessed time again to know.
8. Was hält noch unsre Rückkehr auf,
Die Liebsten ruhn schon lange.		 Make a suggestion
 What yet doth hinder our return?
Long since repose our precious!
Ihr Grab schließt unsern Lebenslauf,
Nun wird uns weh und bange.		 Make a suggestion
 Their grave is of our life the bourne;
We shrink from times ungracious!
Zu suchen haben wir nichts mehr -
Das Herz ist satt - die Welt ist leer.		 Make a suggestion
 By not a hope are we decoyed:
The heart is full; the world is void.
9. Unendlich und geheimnisvoll
Durchströmt uns süßer Schauer -		 Make a suggestion
 Infinite and mysterious,
Thrills through me a sweet trembling,
Mir deucht, aus tiefen Fernen scholl
Ein Echo unsrer Trauer.		 Make a suggestion
 As if from far there echoed thus
A sigh, our grief resembling:
Die Lieben sehnen sich wohl auch
Und sandten uns der Sehnsucht Hauch.		 Make a suggestion
 The dear ones long as well as I,
And sent to me their waiting sigh.
10. Hinunter zu der süßen Braut,
Zu Jesus, dem Geliebten -		 See suggestions (2)
Down to the sweet bride,
To Jesus the beloved -		 Down to the sweet bride, and away
To the beloved Jesus!
Getrost, die Abenddämmrung graut
Den Liebenden, Betrübten.		 See suggestions (2)
Evening falls, succors
The lover, the troubled.		 Courage! the evening shades grow gray,
Of all our griefs to ease us!
Ein Traum bricht unsre Banden los
Und senkt uns in des Vaters Schoß.		 See suggestions (2)
A dream bursts our bonds
And sinks us into the Father's womb.		 A dream will dash our chains apart,
And lay us on the Father's heart

Where printers can be easily chosen, shopping for some objects is just too difficult. One such item is digital cameras.