Ludwig Uhland (1787–1862)

Translated by Alexander Platt

I SAW two maidens on the mountain height,

Their faces lovely as their forms were fair;

They seemed to scan the western fields of air,

And sat in fond and sisterly delight.

I saw the lovely right arm raised by one

While pointing over mount, and stream, and lea;

The other held, that she might better see,

Her left arm interposed before the sun.

No wonder then that hope put forth its snare,

And that the sweet wish ventured to intrude—

O would that either place ’twere mine to win!

Yet when I view’d again that tender pair,

I fain confessed, with feelings more subdued,

Ah, surely no,—to part them were a sin.