Speak, my Heart!

”Speak, my Heart” is a poem by Arthur Christopher Benson, set to music by the English composer Edward Elgar[1] in 1902.

The score was dated 16 August 1902 and it was published by Boosey & Co. in 1903 or 1904,.[1][2] The first performance was possibly on 26 August 1902.[3]

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).

References
  1. Kennedy, Michael (1987). Portrait of Elgar (Third ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 347. ISBN 0-19-284017-7.
  2. Though the only published score found is dated 1904
  3. Given as "(Aug. 26, 1902 ?)" by Percy Young in his book "Elgar, O.M."

Speak, my Heart!: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)

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