Kirke Mechem: To an Absent Love (The Lied and Art Song Texts Page: Texts and Translations to Lieder, mélodies, canzoni, and other classical vocal music)


 "Dear Husband:
 Come this fall without fail.
 I want to see you so much.
 That is the one bright hope I have.
 If you do not get me,
 Somebody else will.
 It is said that Master will sell me;
 Then all my hopes will fade.
 If I thought I should never see you again,
 This earth would have no charms for me.
 The baby has started to crawl.
 The other children are well.
 Oh that blessed hour
 When I shall see you once more!
 You must write to me soon
 And say when you can come."

2. A Farewell

Language: English

Authorship

Harriet Monroe (1860-1936)


Goodbye! - no, do not grieve that it is over
 [ ... ]

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3. Fair Robin I Love

Language: English

Authorship

John Dryden (1631-1700)

Amphitryon


Fair Robin I love and hourly die,
But not for a lip, nor a languishing eye;
He's fickle and false, and there we agree,
For I am as false and as fickle as he.

We neither believe what either can say;
And neither believing, we neither betray.
'Tis civil to swear and say things, of course;
We mean not the taking for better or worse.

When present we love; when absent agree:
I think not of Robin, nor Robin of me.
The legend of love no couple can find,
So easy to part or so easily joined.

4. Epilogue ("Debts")

Language: English

Authorship

Jessie B. Rittenhouse (1869-1948)


My debt to you, Beloved
 [ ... ]

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