”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. 1 2 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

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