Translation:The Young Man's Love/XI

by Ludwig Tieck

11: Parting

Must I be parted from you?
Must my heart then be unfaithful to you?
No, I do not call that life;
Dying is not so bitter.

When I hear a shepherd's flute,
I grieve deeply.
When I look upon the sunset,
I think passionately of you.

Is there then no true love?
Must there be pain and mourning?
Even if I remain unloved,
I shall still have a glimmer of hope.

But now I must lament thus:
Where is hope, but in the grave?
Far away I must carry my misery;
In secret, my heart shall perish.