Die Winterreise, D.911: 1. Gute Nacht, ”Good Night” (English translation)

I arrived a stranger
A stranger I depart
May blessed me
With many a bouquet of flowers
The girl spoke of love
Her mother even of marriage;
Now the world is so desolate
The path concealed beneath snow

I cannot choose the time
For my journey;
I must find my own way
In this darkness
A shadow thrown by the moon
Is my companion;
And on the white meadows
I seek the tracks of deer

Why should I tarry longer
And be driven out?
Let stray dogs howl
Before their master’s house
Love delights in wandering –
God made it so –
From one to another
Beloved, good night!

I will not disturb you as you dream
It would be a shame to spoil your rest
You shall not hear my footsteps;
Softly, softly the door is closed
As I pass I write
‘Good night’ on your gate
So that you might see
That I thought of you