Here is my translation of the epitaph, “Im Friend bin ich dahin gefahrn” (Luther, 1542), Ev.-luth. Gsb #680, from the author’s book of epitaphs and funeral music, Christliche Geseng Lateinisch und Deudsch, zum Begrebnis (Wittenberg, 1542) (a translation of the whole booklet is found here), in which he calls for the use of such epitaphs on Christian graves. As Fischer notes under entry “In meim Elend war dies mein Trost,” this and other epitaphs suggested here by Luthere were later set to music in certain hymnals, such as Nuremberg 1561. The Wisconsin hymnal appoints the melody “Vater unser.”
I HAVE gone forth in peace serene,
For these my eyes have truly seen
Thy Savior, Lord, prepared by Thee,
The light of Christians all to be.
Meanwhile I here at rest remain
Until my Lord shall come again.
Translation © 2023 Matthew Carver.
GERMAN
Im Fried bin ich dahin gefahrn,
denn meine Augen gesehn habn
dein Heiland, Herr, von dir bereit
zum Licht der ganzen Christenheit.
Indes ruh ich in dieser Gruft
bis auf mein's Herren Wiederkunft.
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