He walks to the sound of a muffled drum

He walks to the sound of a muffled drum;

how far the place! - how long the way!

O if only he were at rest and everything past already!

I think it will break my heart in two!

I loved only him in the world -

only him, whom they are now putting to death!

To the band they parade;

for this task I am also ordered.

Now he gazes for the last time

up at the joyous sunbeams of God's sun;

now they blindfold his eyes -

may God grant you eternal peace!

The nine then took aim:

eight bullets shot wide.

They trembled, all full of misery and pain -

but I - I shot him right through the heart.