Margarete Münsterberg, ed., trans. A Harvest of German Verse. 1916.
By Would I Were a Falcon WildPopular Ballad (16th Century)
W
I should spread my wings and soar,
Then I should come swooping down
By a wealthy burgher’s door.
She is called fair Magdalene,
And a fairer damsel brown
All my days I have not seen.
Monday morning, they relate,
Magdalene was seen a-walking
Through the city’s northern gate.
Magdalene, where wouldst thou go?”
—“Oh, into my father’s garden,
Where I went last night, you know.”
And straight into the garden ran,
There lay beneath the linden-tree
Asleep, a beautiful young man.
Oh rise, for time is dear,
I hear the keys a-rattling,
And mother will be here.”
And thy mother must be nigh,
Then o’er the heath this minute
Oh, come with me, and fly!”
There for these twain was spread,
A shady linden-tree beneath,
A silken bridal-bed.
They lay upon the bed.
“Turn round, turn round, brown maiden:
Give me thy mouth so red!”
But naught of wedded troth,
I fear me I have slept away
My faith and honour both.”
Thy faith and honour too,
I say I’ll wed thee yet, my dear,
So thou shalt never rue.”
And sang it o’er with cheer?
On St. Annenberg in the town,
It was the mountaineer.
Drank mead and cool red wine,
Beside him sat and listened
Three dainty damsels fine.