Friede auf Erden (English Translation)
Arnold Schönberg


Through the eastern night of glory,
while the shepherds watch were keeping,
came to man the Angel's story
of the Mother and the Child.
Through the empyrean swelling,
to (all) those in darkness dwelling,
came the heav'nly voice foretelling
Goodwill, Peace on Earth towards men!

Since that hour of hope reviving,
deeds of blood and baleful striving,
deeds of rapine, pillage, slaughter
have defiled the souls of men.
Through night's stillness hear ye then!
Hear the Angel voices pleading,
hear them, suppliant, interceding,
Goodwill, Peace on Earth to men!

Now to those in shadow grieving,
comes the Sun, their gloom relieving,
comes deliv'rance banning sorrow.
Hail the Day-Spring from on High
all ye who in darkness lie!
Truth and justice wrong redressing,
when God's Kingdom, all confessing,
brings a brighter, gladder morrow.

Surely bringing consolation
speeds the news of man's salvation,
spreads the message of the Christ-birth.
Lo! He comes to crown the right,
faith at last is lost in sight!
Blazon forth to ev'ry nation
Jesus bringeth man salvation,
hear the joyful proclamation:
Peace, Goodwill, to men on Earth!

--------------------

When the shepherds left their flocks
and carried the words of the angel's
through the lowly gate
to the Mother and the Child.
the heavenly host continued to sing
in the starry spheres,
and the heavens echoed their sound:
"Peace, peace on Earth!"

Since the angels thus admonished
o, how many bloody deeds
has strife on its wild steed
and in its warlike armour done!
In how many holy nights
has the chorus of spirits hesitantly sung
wirth urgent prayer and mild reproach.
"Peace, peace on Earth!"

Yet it is an eternal belief
that the weak should not forever
fall victim to every bold
murderous gesture.
Something akin to justice
dwells in the midst of murder and horror,
and a kingdom shall gradually arise
that shall seek peace for the earth.

Gradually it shall take shape
and carry out its holy task,
shall forge weapons that are without danger,
fiery swords of justice;
and a kingly race
shall flourish with strong descendants
whose shining trumpets shall resound:
"Peace, peace on Earth!"

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