Holy night, descending softly,
Descending, too, are our dreams,
Like moonlight through a darkened room,
Through the depths of a man`s breast.
He listens with elation;
When Night starts to fade, he cries:
Come back, holy night,
Return, sweetest dreams, return!
Translation © David B. Gosselin
*To learn more about the relationship between poetry and lieder, rightly called the "Rosetta Stone" of poetry, we recommend the following resources:
Original
By Matthäus von Collin (1779-1824)
Heil’ge Nacht, du sinkest nieder;
Nieder wallen auch die Träume,
Wie dein Mondlicht durch die Räume,
Durch der Menschen stille Brust.
Die belauschen sie mit Lust;
Rufen, wenn der Tag erwacht:
Kehre wieder, heil’ge Nacht!
Holde Träume, kehret wieder!