I loved you

I loved you, and that love, to die refusing,
May still - who knows! - be smouldering in my breast
Pray be not pained - believe me, of my choosing
I'd never have you troubled or distressed.
I loved you mutely, hopelessly and truly,
With shy yet fervent tenderness aglow;
Mine was a jealous passion and unruly...
May God grant that another'll love you so!

Translated by I.Zheleznova

I loved you

I loved you; and I probably still do,
And for awhile the feeling may remain -
But let my love no longer trouble you:
I do not wish to cause you any pain.
I loved you; and the hopelessness I knew
The jealousy, the shyness - though in vain -
Made up a love so tender and so true
As may God grant you to be loved again.

Translated by Genia Gurarie

I loved you

I loved you; even now I may confess,
Some embers of my love their fire retain;
But do not let it cause you more distress,
I do not want to sadden you again.
Hopeless and tongue-tied, yet I loved you dearly
With pangs the jealous and the timid know;
So tenderly I loved you, so sincerely,
I pray God grant another love you so.

Translated by Katharena Eiermann

I loved you

I loved you; and perhaps I love you still,
The flame, perhaps, is not extinguished; yet
It burns so quietly within my soul,
No longer should you feel distressed by it.
Silently and hopelessly I loved you,
At times too jealous and at times too shy.
God grant you find another who will love you
As tenderly and truthfully as I.