The Singer
Did you hear beyond the grove the night voice
Of the singer of love who sings of his sadness?
In the morning, when the fields were silent,
It was the plaintive and simple sound of the pipe.
Did you hear it?
Did you meet in the desolate darkness of the forest
The singer of love who sings of his sadness?
Did you notice a trace of tears or smile,
Or a gentle and mournful glance?
Did you meet him?
Did you sigh to hear the tender voice
Of the singer of love who sings of the sadness?
When you saw the young man in the forest,
And met the look of his mournful eyes,
Did you sigh?
1816/1819
translated by Dmitri Smirnov
