English Translation (Metropolitan Opera Association, 1947)
I can't give you a
good explanation
For this new and confusing sensation.
Ev'ry lady I see makes me tremble,
Makes me tremble with pleasure and pain.
When of love there is merely a mention,
I am spellbound and rapt with attention.
I weave romances and daydreams together,
Filled with longing I cannot explain.
If I knew what it is I'd confess it,
But I am at a loss to express it,
Yet I know that it always excites me,
That it thrills me again and again.
Love is my inspiration,
Only consideration.
In rivers, woods and
flowers,
I feel its magic streaming,
Awake, asleep and dreaming.
In gentle winds and showers,
I hear its mellow tone.
Love is my conversation,
Theme without variation,
I tell my love-song
To glens and mountains,
To rivers and fountains,
To moon and stars in heaven.
The gentle breezes echo my ev'ry word and tone.
And if no one will listen...
Then I will talk alone of love,
Talk to myself alone.