Is there something in the net? Let’s take a look!

Manfred Schlenker

Is there something in the net? Let's take a look!

But I am frightened;

Have I caught a sweet eel?

Have I caught a snake?

Love is a blind

Fisher-maiden;

Tell the child --

What has she grasped?

Already it's flipping in my hands.

Oh misery! Oh joy!

With snuggling and writhing

It slips to my breast.

It bites, oh what a marvel!

Its way boldly through my skin

And shoots down to my heart!

Oh, Love, I am terrified!

What to do, how to begin?

The horrible thing,

It is flicking inside,

It is coiling itself into a ring.

I must have poison;

Here it is slinking about,

It is blissfully burrowing

And will kill me yet!