National Lyrics, and Songs for Music/Mignon's Song
MIGNON'S SONG.
TRANSLATED FROM GOETHE.
Mignon, a young and enthusiastic girl, (the character in one of Goethe's romances, from which Sir Walter Scott's Fenella is partially imitated,) has been stolen away, in early childhood, from Italy. Her vague recollections of that land, and of her early home, with its graceful sculptures and pictured saloons, are perpetually haunting her, and at times break forth into the following song. The original has been set to exquisite music, by Zelter, the friend of Goethe.
MIGNON'S SONG.
TRANSLATED FROM GOETHE.
Kennst du das Land wo die Citronen blühn?
Know'st thou the land where bloom the Citron bowers,
Where the gold-orange lights the dusky grove?
High waves the laurel there, the myrtle flowers,
And thro' a still blue heaven the sweet winds rove.
Know'st thou it well?
—There, there, with thee,
O friend, O lov'd one! fain my steps would flee.
Know'st thou the dwelling?—there the pillars rise,
Soft shines the hall, the painted chambers glow;
And forms of marble seem with pitying eyes
To say—"Poor child! what thus hath wrought thee woe?"
Know'st thou it well?
There, there with thee,
O my protector! homewards might I flee!
Know'st thou the mountain?—high its bridge is hung,
Where the mule seeks thro' mist and cloud his way;
There lurk the dragon-race, deep caves among,
O'er beetling rocks there foams the torrent spray.
Know'st thou it well?
With thee, with thee,
There lies my path, O father! let us flee!