In memoriam
(Leopold) Heinrich (Picot de Peccaduc), Freiherr von Herzogenberg
You dear, faithful lute,
how many a summer night
until morning broke
did I watch with you!
The valleys darken with approaching night again,
already the evening glow is diminishing,
but they who once watched with us,
they have long lain dead.
Why are we compelled now to sing
here in this solitude,
when everyone is gone now
who once delighted in our song?
Yet we will sing nonetheless!
So silent is it in the world;
who knows, these songs may penetrate
perhaps even the starry dome.
Who knows, those who have died,
they might hear me up above
and softly open the gates
and take us up to them.