Heinrich Heine (1797–1856)

Translated by Edgar Alfred Bowring
Fresco-Sonnets to Christian S——.

FAIN would I weep, but, ah, I cannot weep;

Fain would I upward full of vigour spring,

But cannot; to the earth I needs must cling,

Spurned by the reptiles that around me creep.

Fain would I near my beauteous mistress keep,

Near my bright light of life be hovering,

And in her clear sweet breath be revelling,

But cannot; for my heart with sorrow deep

Is breaking; from my broken heart doth flow

My burning blood, my strength within me fades,

And darker, darker grows the world to me.

With secret awe I yearn unceasingly

For yonder misty realm, where silent shades

Their gentle loving arms around me throw.