Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - English translations by Michael R Burch I

“To the Moon” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Scattered, pole to starry pole, glide Cynthia's mild beams, whispering to the receptive soul whatever moonbeams mean. Bathing valley, hill and dale with her softening light, loosening from earth’s frigid chains my restless heart tonight! Over the landscape, near and far, broods darkly glowering night; yet welcoming as Friendship’s eye, she, soft!, bequeaths her light. Touched in turn by joy and pain, my startled heart responds, then floats, as Whimsy paints each scene, to soar with her, beyond... I mean Whimsy in the sense of both the Romantic Imagination and caprice. Here, I have the idea of Peter Pan flying off with Tinker Bell to Neverland. Der Erlkönig (“The Elf King”) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Who rides tonight with the wind so wild? A loving father, holding his child. Please say the boy’s safe from all evil and harm! He rests secure in his dear father’s arms. My son, my son, what’s that look on your face? Father, he’s there, in that dark, scary place! The elfin king! With his dagger and crown! Son, it’s only the mist, there’s no need to frown. My dear little boy, you must come play with me! Such marvelous games! We’ll play and be free! Many bright flowers we'll gather together! Son, why are you wincing? It’s only the weather. Father, O father, how could you not hear What the elfin king said to me, drawing so near? Be quiet, my son, and pay “him” no heed: It was only the wind gusts stirring the trees. Come with me now, you're a fine little lad! My daughters will kiss you, then you’ll be glad! My daughters will teach you to dance and to sing! They’ll call you a prince and give you a ring! Father, please look, in the gloom, don’t you see The dark elfin daughters keep beckoning me? My son, all I can see and all I can say Is the wind makes the grey willows sway. Why stay with your father? He’s deaf, blind and dumb! If you’re unwilling I’ll force you to come! Father, he’s got me and won’t let me go! The cruel elfin king is hurting me so! At last struck with horror his father looks down: His gasping son’s holding a strange golden crown! Then homeward through darkness, all the faster he sped, But cold in his arms, his dear child lay dead. Keywords/Tags: Goethe, German poetry, English translations, father, son, boy, elf, elfin, king, moon, heart, light, wind, moonbeams, earth, night, Cynthia, joy, pain