I look in my heart and I look at the world

I look in my heart and I look at the world

Till out of my burning eyes a tear falls.

Though the distance glows with golden light,

The north wind tells me I shall not reach it.

Ah! How narrow our confines, how wide the world,

And how fleeting is time!

I know a land where in sun-filled greenery

Grapes gleam among sunken temples,

Where the purple wave covers the shore with foam

And laurels dream of singers to come.

It lures from afar and beckons my longing soul,

And I cannot go there!

If I had wings to fly through the blue

How I would wish to bathe in sun's fragrance!

But in vain! Hour flees upon hour;

Pass your youth in mourning, bury your song.

Ah! How narrow our confines, how wide the world

And how fleeting is time!