Alone I come to the road.
The stony track gleams in the mist
the calm night listens to God
and star is speaking to star.

Alls marvellous grave in the sky!
Earth sleeps in the radiant blue
Why such pain then such weight on the heart?
Do I regret wait for something new?

I expect no more from this life
and Ive no regrets for the past.
I look for freedom and peace
I want rest and oblivion at last

But not the chill peace of the grave
Id like to sleep for all time
so lifes powers slept in my chest
and it heaved with my gentle breath

an enchanted voice in my ear
singing day and night of love
and a dark oak to rustle over me
and bend down from above.

1841

translation by A. S. Kline