The goddess Love came from a far-off land

The goddess Love came from a far-off land

And not a creature followed her,

And the goddess waved at me,

And bound me with sweet ribbons.

Then I began to feel the pain;

Tears darkened my gaze.

Ah! What is Love's happiness,

I lamented; why this game?

I have not found anyone in my wide travels,

Said the lovely shape,

You will now feel the power

That binds other hearts.

All of my desires fled

Into the blue expanse of air,

Glory seemed to me a daydream,

Only the lament of ocean waves.

Ah! Who will loosen my fetters now?

For my arms are bound,

About me flies a swarm of worries;

Will no one rescue me?

May I gaze into the mirror,

Which Hope is holding before me?

Ah, how misleading is the world!

No, I cannot believe in it.

Oh, and yet, do not be shaken

In what gives you strength;

If your one-and-only does not love you,

There remains only sickness and bitter death.