The Brown Book

Diary Entry of November 18, 1865

Overview

A farewell poem links the weather with the joy of reunion and the sorrow of separation. Wagner presents Hohenschwangau's happiness as something that has grown from both longing and parting.

Content

Saturday, November 18:

Abschiedstränen
Vereint, wie musst’ uns hell die Sonne scheinen
durch bange Schleier, die das Sehnen wob:
der Trennung heut’ wie muss der Himmel weinen
ob eines Glückes, das so schnell zerstob!
Wollt’ uns des Tages Wonneglanz vereinen,
nun werde auch der Himmelsthräne Lob!
Aus Sehnen, wie aus banger Trennungsklage entblühten Hohenschwangau’s Wonnetage.

Parting tears
How bright had sun to shine for us united,
through the uneasy veils that longing wove:
how has today to weep the sky of parting
for happiness that was so swiftly scattered!
If the day’s blissful lustre would unite us,
praise be now to tear of heaven too!
From yearning, as of parting’s dread lament,
Hohenschwangau’s blissful days have blossomed.