"Unassuaged Longing" by Brahms

Bathed in golden evening light, How solemnly the forests stand! The evening winds mingle softly With the soft voices of the birds. What do the winds, the birds whisper? They whisper the world to sleep. But you, my desires, ever stirring In my heart without respite! You, my longing, that agitates my breast – When will you rest, when will you sleep? The winds and the birds whisper, But when will you, yearning desires, slumber? Ah! when my spirit no longer hastens On wings of dreams into golden distances, When my eyes no longer dwell yearningly On eternally remote stars; Then shall the winds, the birds whisper My life – and my longing – to sleep.