Der Stille Grund [English translation]

The moon has cast its web

far as the vale stretches.

The streams they flow and ebb

into the lonely reaches.

Up there I saw it standing

a forest of high fronds,

The dark fir trees mirroring

down into a dark pond.

A vessel glided yonder

no soul was at her bow

her rudder torn asunder

her hull sunk in the flow.

Up on the rock a mermaid

stroking her golden hair

alone and unafraid

cast a spell in the air.

Her chant an endless softness,

through the trees like a stream

echoing through the darkness

under a moonlight beam.

I stood there whole bewildered

as over trees and rift

the morning bells could be heard

upon the wind adrift.

If not for having answered

the call to the prayer

from me no more would be heard

on still grounds forever.