When I was still a boy

When I was still a boy,

they locked me in;

and so I sat for many years

alone with myself,

as I was in my mother's womb.

But you were my diversion,

golden fantasy;

and I became an ardent hero,

like the Prince Pipi,

and I wandered the world.

I built many a crystal castle

and destroyed some as well;

I threw my glittering javelin

at dragons, through their bellies;

yes, I was a man!

Chivalrously I freed then

the Princess Fish;

she was all too obliging,

and led me to her table,

and I was gallant.

And her kiss was the food of gods,

glowing like the wine.

Ah! I loved her almost to death!

Surrounded with sunshine

she was like enamel.

Alas! who has abducted her?

Did not some magic ribbon

pull her back from her swift flight?

Tell me, where is her land?

Where is the path to it?