Puccini: Donde lieta uscì

From whence she joyously left

at the beckoning of your love,

all alone must Mimì now return

to that empty nest ...

Returning once again

to embroider make-believe flowers.

So farewell, but without bitterness.

Listen, listen.

Gather up the few things

that are still scattered about.

Tucked inside my drawer are

that golden bracelet ...

and my prayer book.

Bundle up everything in an apron

and I'll send someone to fetch it.

Only listen--under my pillow

you’ll find that pink bonnet ...

If you want--if you'd like to, you should keep it

as a memento of our love.

So goodbye--goodbye, with no bitterness.

--English translation c2009, E. Lein