Speak, my Heart!

”Speak, my Heart” is a poem by Arthur Christopher Benson, set to music by the English composer Edward Elgar in 1902.

The score was dated 16 August 1902 and it was published by Boosey & Co. in 1903 or 1904,. The first performance was possibly on 26 August 1902.

Lyrics

 * Sweet Maiden, bright Maiden,
 * Passing on your way,
 * May I linger with you ?
 * Maiden, say !
 * “ I have much to see,
 * And far, far to go.
 * Let it be another day,
 * Now it is No ! ”
 * One word of welcome
 * Ere you depart !
 * I will be patient still ;
 * Silence, my heart !


 * Sweet Maiden, shy Maiden,
 * Passing far away,
 * May I wander with you ?
 * Maiden, say !
 * ” You are nought to me,
 * And I nought to you !
 * What am I to answer now ?
 * What can I do ? “
 * Wander alone then,
 * I will depart ;--
 * Yet she smiles upon me,
 * Courage, my heart !


 * True Maiden, dear Maiden,
 * Passing my door,
 * I will say a new word,
 * Whispered before.
 * ” You may whisper softly,
 * Soft and still,
 * Yes, I will hear you out,
 * Say whate’er you will ! ”
 * Hear me and heed me,
 * Ere you depart ;
 * Yes, her lips are smiling ;--
 * Speak, my heart !

Recordings
"The Unknown Elgar" includes "Speak, my Heart" performed by Teresa Cahill (soprano), with Barry Collett (piano).