After discovering the masterpiece that Joseph Mohr wrote in its original language, I decided that the English - speaking world should know what the poet was really telling us in his lyric. I have just completed a free verse translation of the same, attempting to express the message as accurately as I could in contemporary English.
Our readers may be as surprised as I was at what little semblance it bears to the familiar "Silent Night".
Quiet Night
Translated into free verse by David Jantzi from "Stille Nacht,Heilige Nacht"
Quiet night, holy night,
All things are fast asleep with one wakeful exception-
That most holy couple, so dear to one another,
And the lovely, curly-haired little boy.
Sleep in Heavenly rest!
Sleep in Heavenly rest!
Quiet night, holy night,
Son of God - O, how He laughs!
Love radiates from the laughter of His Divine mouth!
At this moment the realization comes upon us that it is the hour of salvation!
Jesus at Your birth!
Jesus at Your birth!
Quiet night, holy night
Which brought salvation to the world!
From Heaven's golden heights
Abundant mercy is brought to our view-
Jesus in human form!
Jesus in human form!
Quiet night, holy night
Upon which all the power
Of the Father's love has been poured out
And has lovingly embraced us as brothers!
Jesus to the peoples of the world!
Jesus to the peoples of the world!
Quiet night, holy night
Planned long ago for us.
This is the night in which the Lord frees us from wrath!
Since the beginning of ancient times it was
Promised already to the whole world!
Promised already to the whole world!
Quiet night,holy night
First revealed to the shepherds
By the angelic hallelujahs
Which rang loudly, far and wide.
Christ, the Saviour is here!
Christ, the Saviour is here!
