My songs travel through the cool night,
Searching for you.
Find me in the tranquil grove, love—
I'll wait for you.
The gentle fronds of rustling trees
Whirl in the moonlight.
Here, there will be no more betrayals—
We'll be free tonight.
Do you hear the sad nightingales,
Singing where they hide?
Hear their melancholy music—
Let them be your guide.
Knowing what the human heart needs,
They comfort each breast
With the soothing sound of silv'ry streams—
Peace for the oppressed.
Let the love in your heart be free,
Darling—listen to me!
I await you here, trembling!
Come, enrapture me.
Translation © David B. Gosselin
Original
By Ludwig Rellstab
Leise flehen meine Lieder Durch die Nacht zu dir; In den stillen Hain hernieder, Liebchen, komm zu mir!
Flüsternd schlanke Wipfel rauschen In des Mondes Licht; Des Verräters feindlich Lauschen Fürchte, Holde, nicht.
Hörst die Nachtigallen schlagen? Ach! sie flehen dich, Mit der Töne süßen Klagen Flehen sie für mich.
Sie verstehn des Busens Sehnen, Kennen Liebesschmerz, Rühren mit den Silbertönen Jedes weiche Herz.
Laß auch dir die Brust bewegen, Liebchen, höre mich! Bebend harr’ ich dir entgegen! Komm, beglücke mich!
*To learn more about the relationship between poetry and lieder and why the lied has been rightly called the "Rosetta Stone" of poetic composition, we recommend the two following resources:
Follow along to Brahms' musical setting with the original lyrics.