XIII. THE TALMUD
Old leaves of the Talmud, old stories and legends! In my saddened life I frequently turn to you.
At night, when in the darkness sleep evades my eyes, and I sit alone and deserted, my head bowed to my breast,
In those sad hours, like a star in the azure summer night, there begin to shine memories in my sadness.
I recall my love, my sweet years of childhood, when I was still free from sorrow, pain and anger;
I recall those times when I quaffed the first, sweet, the best chalice of life, freedom, joy and merriness.
I recall the old, the sweet, delightful years, and the leaves of the Talmud arise in my memory.
Oh, the old, old leaves! As many lights and as many stars there burn and shine, they can never be extinguished.
Tausend Stromen, tausend Teichen
Hāben see gethun verfliessen,
Samd hāt sich auf see geschotten,
Sturems hāben see gerissen,