Gute Nacht

As a stranger I moved in
As a stranger I move out
May was good to me
With many a bouquet of flowers
The girl spoke of love
The mother even of marriage
Now the world is so dreary
The path shrouded in snow

I cannot choose
The time to travel
I must show myself the way
In this darkness
A shadow of the moon
Moves with me
And on the white meadows
I seek the trace of the wild

Why should I linger longer
That they drove me out?
Let stray dogs howl
In front of their master's house
Love loves to wander
God made it so
From one to another
Sweet darling, good night

I don't want to disturb you in your dreams
It would be a shame for your peace
You shouldn't hear my step
Gently, gently close the door
Writing as I pass by
On the gate: Good night
So that you may see
I have thought of you