When thou commandest me to sing
it seems that my heart would break with pride;
and I look to thy face, and tears come to my eyes.
All that is harsh and dissonant in my life
melts into one sweet harmony -
and my adoration spreads wings like a glad bird
on its flight across the sea.
I know thou takest pleasure in my singing.
I know that only as a singer
I come before thy presence.
I touch by the edge of the far-spreading wing
of my song thy feet
which I could never aspire to reach.
Drunk with the joy of singing I forget myself
and call thee friend who art my lord.