Page:Bedřich Smetana, The bartered bride, Die verkaufte braut.pdf/9

Rh

I hardly dare to think of it! Soon will they come To look at the bride; Micha, father and son, To sue for me!

Well, then What are you going to do?

What shall I do? Would to God that I knew! But one thing I know, That I am yours for all eternity! If only my parent were not to force me!

That really would be sad.

Still it seems Little to concern youSo calm, my friend? Perhaps this circumstance just suits you? I'm in despair, distressed and anxious, Yet you are barely moved! Alas, if you Were to deceive this trusting heart, If secretly you loved another?

Oh, never!

Gladly do I trust you, Faithfully look up to you! What else could I rely on If your love were untrue!

You, come here from distant place, Who you are, I know not, I took you for my sweetheart, Trusting your honest face! O tell me, what drove you from your home To this strange place? Of your early youth You never spoke to me!

Unwillingly I speak of it, It is too painful! From rich house do I come, but My beloved mother died. Soon after that My father took another wife. With false tales had she stolen My father's heart from me. Out of the house she drove me! Now strangers do I serve for daily bread. With my mother, died My youthful happiness; What I really lost, No longing will bring back.

O you good, poor boy, How I deplore your fate! Be of good cheer; a look of love Will warmly comfort you.

No longer now will you despair! A home and hearth will your love be For me, the orphaned youth!

Now in joy and sadness, Now in pain and gladness, United are we.

Through life together Will we soar like swallows, Hope and trust, And build us a nest, But secretly and stealthily Will we announce our happiness!

Now in joy and sadness United are we!

Be quiet! They're coming. O God, my father! They're looking for me!

Then it's time that I should go! Parting! Parting! That hurts so! Fare thee well, until we meet again!