Des Wassermanns Weib [English translation]

It was in May's dulcet brilliance

that the damsels of Tuebingen danced.

They danced and danced well especially

around a linden tree in a green valley.

There came a young man in proud dress

who soon turned to the most beautiful maiden.

He reached out his hand there to dance.

He puts a sea-green wreath in her hair.

"Oh, young man, why is it so cold in your arms?"

"There in the deeps of the River Neckar it is not warm."

"Oh, young man, why is your hand so pale?"

"The sun's rays do not shine in the water."

He dances far from the linden tree with her.

"Let me go, young man! Hear my mother cry for me!"

He dances with her into the River Neckar.

"Let me go, young man! Pain! I'm becoming fearful!"

He held onto her thin body tightly.

"Beautiful maiden!" You are the waterman's wife."

He dances with her down into the waves.

"Ado, oh father, oh mother mine!"

He leads her into a crystalline room.

"Ado, my sisters in the green valley!"