Mother, I shall weave a chain of pearls [German translation]

Mother, I shall weave a chain of pearls

for thy neck with my tears of sorrow.

The stars have wrought their anklets of light

to deck thy feet,

but mine will hang upon thy breast.

Wealth and fame come from thee

and it is for thee to give or to withhold them.

But this my sorrow is absolutely mine own,

and when I bring it to thee as my offering

thou rewardest me with thy grace.