by Franz von Kobell (1803 - 1882)
Translation by Stephen Collins Foster (1826 - 1864)
In the eye abides the heart
Language: English  after the German (Deutsch)
In the eye abides the heart. Every pure and tender feeling, All emotions worth revealing, Through the eyes their charm impart. Words are often clothed in guile; For the lips with fear may falter; E'en confiding smiles may alter Oh! believe not in a smile! 'Tis the eye unveils the heart. Every pure and tender feeling, All emotions worth revealing, To the eyes their glow impart. If thy bosom heaves a sigh For a fair and cherished maiden, Though her voice with love be laden, Mark the language of her eye There each impulse of her soul Beams for thee in truth and ardor; There her secret passions wander, There remain beyond control. 'Tis the eye unveils the heart. Every pure and tender feeling, All emotions worth revealing, To the eyes their glow impart.
Authorship:
- by Stephen Collins Foster (1826 - 1864), "In the eye abides the heart" [an adaptation] [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Franz von Kobell (1803 - 1882), "Das Auge", appears in Gedichte in hochdeutscher, oberbayerischer und pfälzischer Mundart, first published 1841
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Stephen Collins Foster (1826 - 1864), "In the eye abides the heart", published 1851 [voice and piano] [ sung text checked 1 time]
Researcher for this page: Laura Prichard [Guest Editor]
This text was added to the website: 2015-12-26
Line count: 24
Word count: 134