Serenade

Are you already asleep?

Listen! On vibrations of golden strings,

I send my intoxicated night_song upwards.

Listen my love to the golden sound,

listen also to the silvery net of stars.

Harken to these quivering strings that call

softly your name in the tremulous air.

Do you dream of me?

Wavering mist drifts round about,

filled with spirits of the night;

Listen! As they whisper with soft voices;

Sleep softly, soft rest will serve you well!

Blessed Elisa, how blessed am I,

ah, dream on! See only me in your dreams.

Do you think of me?

Harken to the sounds of the billowing foliage,

and the fountains more effusive tones.

You hear the coo of the loving doves,

see how the night peeks into your window,

and how the stars more fierily glitter,

because you glow in sweetest sleep.

Sleep well then!

So with the sounds of the cooing doves,

with the fountains splashing foam;

I offer this star_light strum'd,

song to you, lulling you into gentlest dreams;

take this air-borne kiss and hear it softly

my Elisa, you delightful bride.