Across the world (Villanelle) (Thomas, set by A. Beach) (The Lied and Art Song Texts Page: Texts and Translations to Lieder, mélodies, canzoni, and other classical vocal music)


Across the world I speak to thee;
  Where'er thou art (I know not where),
Send thou a messenger to me.

I here remain who would be free,
  To seek thee out through foul or fair,
Across the world I speak to thee.

Whether beneath the tropic tree,
  The cooling night-wind fans thy hair, --
Send thou a messenger to me!

Whether upon the rushing sea,
  A foamy track thy keel doth wear, --
Across the world I speak to thee.

Whether in yonder star thou be,
  A spirit loosed in purple air, --
Send thou a messenger to me!

Hath heaven not left thee memory
  Of what was well in mortal's share?
Across the world I speak to thee;
Send thou a messenger to me!

Authorship

Edith M. Thomas (1854-1925)

Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive)

Amy Marcy Cheney Beach (1867-1944)

Date added to the website: 2008-07-08.

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