JAVS Fall 2012

Figure 7 . The folksong and text from F. M. Böhme that served as the basis for the opening section of Der Schwanendreher , movt. II, “ Nun laube, Lindlein, laube! ” 24

Now put out your leaves, little lime-tree! I can bear it no longer. I have lost my love; I have a sad day.

What is he sending me back? A little gold ring. On it is written: Dear love, don’t forget me! How should I forget you! I always think of you. But should it go on much longer I shall die. 25

“If you’ve lost your love, Then you’ve had a sad day. Go under that little lime-tree, Break off two posies.”

One is of rue, The other of clover.

I’ll send them to my love, And see which he’ll have.

V OLUME 28 NUMBER 2 41