Text and Translation
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Text: (Friedrich Hӧlderlin) Ihr wandelt droben im Licht Auf weichem Boden selige Genieen! Glӓnzende Gӧtterlüfte Rühren Euch leicht, Wie die Finger der Künstlerin Heilige Saiten. Schicksallos, wie der Schlafende Sӓugling, atmen die Himmlischen; Keusch bewahrt, In bescheidener Knospe Blühet ewig Ihnen der Geist, Und die seligen Augen Blicken in stiller Ewiger Klarheit Doch uns ist gegeben Auf keener Stӓtte zu ruh’n; Es schwinden, es fallen Die leidenden Menschen Blindlings von einer Stunde zur andern, Wie Wasser von Klippe Zu Klippe geworfen Jahrlang in's Ungewisse hinab. |
Translation: (Edwin Evans) Ye wander gladly in light Though goodly mansion dwellers in Spiritland! Luminous heaven-breezes Touching ye soft, Like as fingers when skillfully Wakening harp-strings. Fearlessly, like the slumbering Infant, abide the Beautified; Pure retained, Like unopened blossoms, Flowering ever, Joyful their soul And their heavenly vision Gifted with placid Never-ceasing clearness. To us is allotted No restful haven to find; They falter, they perish, Poor suffering mortals Blindly as moment Follows to moment, Like water from mountain to mountain impelled, Destined to disappearance below. |
Read more about this topic: Schicksalslied
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