Die Braut [English translation]

A shadow flits unnoticed

through the royal gardens

passes the gate unharmed

then becomes one with the night.

The King’s son who yearns for her

hurries to his sweetheart

who is teaching him the art of love

that makes him so happy

With every day he loves her more

and keeps the secret

of the daily revisit

the source of his desire

Yet she breaks down in floods of tears

and already suspects the ruin

of the new life that she

carries heavily under her bosom

“You shall be my bride

golden as the sunshine

as I once saw you

a creature near to heaven!

You shall be my bride

golden as the sunshine

and we’ll fly away from here!”

“In velvet and silk you shall go

I will take you as my bride

My father will grant my plea”

he said and hurried away.

The King heard what had happened

and loudly pours scorn.

He punishes his son for the crime

and immediately locks him up.

The King’s executioner is creeping around

in the icy breath of night.

When he reaches the fair damsel

she is no longer awake

she is no longer awake…