O deck thyself, thou roof of foliage green, No, 't was but the moving bushes, Proud Day, put out thy torch! and thou appear To look on us, and in our transports share. Did I not hear in the distance No, it was the swan in circles Around me flow all sweetest harmonies, The flowers are bending to the west wind's kiss, And all things living in exchange of joys: The grape the red peach, slumbering in its bliss, Behind the leaves its ripe repose enjoys: The breeze, all balmy from the spicy flood, Drinks from my fevered cheek the glowing blood. Do I not hear light footsteps Rustling along through the walk? No, it is the ripe fruit falling With its own fullness from the stalk. The flaming Eye of day has sunk in night- Something all white glimmers yonder; Through the yew wood's gloominess. O longing heart, seek not this pleasing pain, And light, as from heavenly dwellings, Unseen, unheard, she was near me, That the world may not press into thy chamber gay, The mist of dreams alone Around thee stay. The following piece of Paul Gerhard we take from another collection. It is not well known in this country, though quite popular in Germany. We give a poor translation, but subjoin the original, in hopes some one will produce a better version. AN EVENING HYMN. I. Now rests the wood in shadow, To thy Creator bringing A Psalm acceptable and deep. II. Oh Sun, where wilt thou hide thee? The Night, the Daylight's foe. Bright in my heart of hearts to glow. I. Nun ruhen alle Wälder, Vieh, Menschen, Städt'und Felder, Es schläft die müde Welt. Ihr aber, meine Sinnen, Auf! ihr sollt noch beginnen, Was eurem Schöpfer wohlgefällt. II. Wo bist du, Sonne, blieben? Die Nacht, des Tages Feind. Fahr' hin, du Erdensonne, Nur hell in meinem Herzen scheint. III. Now daylight is declining, IV. My body hastes to slumber; V. Head, feet, and every finger, Thou 'lt be the slave of Sin no more! III. Der Tag ist nun vergangen; Also werd' ich auch stehen, Wann mich wird heissen gehen Mein Gott aus diesem Jammerthal. IV. Der Leib eilt nun zur Ruhe, Das Bild der Sterblichkeit. Die zieh' ich aus; dagegen Wird Christus mir anlegen Das Kleid der Ehr' und Herrlichkeit. V. Das Haupt, die Füss' und Hände Des Tages Arbeit sey. Herz, freu' dich! du sollst werden Vom Elend dieser Erden, Und von der Sündenarbeit frei. VI. Go home, ye limbs, now weary, You now require your bed. A couch in earth to rest this head. VII. Mine eyes e'en now are dozing, And in a moment closing, Where now are Sense and Soul? Oh keep them with affection, Stand thou their sole protection, Thou, Eye and Guardian of the whole! VIII. Come thou thy child to cover, VI. Nun geht, ihr matten Glieder, Es kommen andre Zeiten, Da man euch wird bereiten Zur Ruh' ein Bettlein in der Erd'. VII. Die Augen stehn verdrossen, Im Nu sind sie geschlossen; Wo bleibt nun Leib und Seel'? Nimm du sie hin in Gnaden, Du Aug' und Wächter Israel! VIII. Steh' du zu meiner Seite, Die Flügel um mich breite, Und hülle mich darein! Will mich der Feind verschlingen, So lass die Engel singen: Diess Kind soll unverletzet seyn. |