Lost

Verloren

Joseph von Eichendorff (1788-1857)

Verloren
Still bei Nacht fährt manches Schiff, Meerfey kämmt ihr Haar am Riff, Hebt von Inseln an zu singen, Die im Meer dort untergingen. Wann die Morgenwinde wehn, Ist nicht Riff noch Fey zu sehn, Und das Schifflein ist versunken, Und der Schiffer ist ertrunken.
Lost
Quiet night, and boats are roaming, Mermaid on an islet combing, From the reef she starts to sing, Which is sinking, vanishing. Come the gentle winds of dawn, Reef and mermaid both are gone, Boat has shattered on the reef, Boat and sailor come to grief.

Translation: Copyright © Timothy Adès

More poems by Joseph von Eichendorff...

Epitaph

Épitaphe

Paul Scarron (1610-60)

Épitaphe
Celui qui ci maintenant dort Fit plus de pitié que d’envie, Et souffrit mille fois la mort Avant que de perdre la vie. Passant, ne fais ici de bruit, Prends garde qu’aucun ne l’éveille; Car voici la première nuit Que le pauvre Scarron sommeille.
Epitaph
A sleepyhead here is laid: He was much less envied than pitied, who a thousand times over was dead, before of his life he was quitted. So don't make a sound as you pass: don't waken him, don't molest: tonight's the first time, alas, that Scarron has had a good rest.

Translation: Copyright © Timothy Adès

More poems by Paul Scarron...