The secret

Ludwig van Beethoven

Where does a flower bloom that never wilts?

Where does a star shine that glows eternally?

Your lips, my Muse! your sacred lips

give tidings of this flower and this star.

"My lips can proclaim nothing

that your innermost feelings do not already declare!

This star and this flower will glow and bloom tenderly in

the soul of anyone who preserves them faithfully!"