Love
Lyrical Intermezzo, 37
Translated by Edgar Alfred Bowring (1908) · From Book of Songs: Lyrical Intermezzo
(The head speaks.)
Ah, were I but the footstool e’en
On which my loved one’s foot doth rest,
I ne’er to grumble should be seen,
However hard I might be press’d.
(The heart speaks.)
Ah, were I but the cushion soft
Wherein her pins she’s wont to stick,
And ’twere her will to prick me oft,
I should rejoice at every prick.
(The song speaks.)
Ah, were I but the paper dear
Wherewith she’s wont her hair to curl,
I’d gently whisper in her ear
The thoughts that in me live and whirl.
Cite this poem
MLA
Heine, Heinrich. “Lyrical Intermezzo, 37.” Translated by Edgar Alfred Bowring. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/heine/128/.
Chicago
Heine, Heinrich. “Lyrical Intermezzo, 37.” Translated by Edgar Alfred Bowring. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/heine/128/.
Read this poem with the Codex →