by Coleridge · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet
Abstract
A literal translation of a Westphalian folk-song, a wry lover’s message turning on a feigned report of death and a promise of return tomorrow.
Connections
Motifs: Death, Love Themes & Concepts: Romantic Love, Deception Forms & Genres: Comic Verse Song, Translation
Testo integrale / Full text
[The following is an almost literal translation of a very old and very
favourite song among the Westphalian Boors. The turn at the end is the
same with one of Mr. Dibdin’s excellent songs, and the air to which it
is sung by the Boors is remarkably sweet and lively.]
When thou to my true-love com’st
Greet her from me kindly;
When she asks thee how I fare?
Say, folks in Heaven fare finely.
When she asks, ‘What! Is he sick?’ 5
Say, dead! — and when for sorrow
She begins to sob and cry,
Say, I come to-morrow.
? 1799.