He whom I enclose with my name [German translation]

He whom I enclose with my name

is weeping in this dungeon.

I am ever busy building this wall all around;

and as this wall goes up into the sky

day by day I lose sight of my true being

in its dark shadow.

I take pride in this great wall,

and I plaster it with dust and sand

lest a least hole should be left in this name;

and for all the care I take

I lose sight of my true being.