German Classic Love Poems: ‘Song of a Lover’
Verses translated by Julia Kalman
2 min readFeb 6, 2024
Song of a Lover
In the early hours, oh, long before day,
My heart wakes me to think of you,
When healthy youth may rest asleep.
Bright is my eye at midnight,
Brighter than early morning bells:
When have you ever thought of me during the day?
If I were a fisherman, I would rise,
Carry my net down to the river,
Joyfully carry the fish for sale.
In the mill, by light, the miller’s servant
Is busy, all the gears clatter;
Such vigorous activity would suit me!
Alas, but I! Poor wretch!
Must idle in bed,
A restless mother’s child in my head.
(Eduard Mörike, 1804–1874)
