They advised me, they counseled good sense

Text by Heinrich Heine (1797-1856)
Translated into English by Joseph Massaad 

deutsch - français


They advised me, they counseled good sense,
They overwhelmed me with compliments,
Patience! They said, for in need I'll find,
That they'll protect me from foe and fiend.

Despite this pledge of such a noble deed,
I would have starved, have starved indeed,
Had not appeared a man, most worthy,
Who took a kind interest in me.

Most worthy man! For he gives me food!
I'll never forget a man so good!
I wish to embrace him, but never can,
For I am myself that worthy man!