Henry the Bird-Catcher

Sir Henry sat by the bird's trap

so full of cheer and glee.

From thousand pearls ablinking is

the dawn's red glow to see.

In meadow, field, forest and shire,

listen, how sweet they hail!

The lark's song, the quail's cry,

the sweet nightingale.

Sir Henry looks so very pleased:

o world of wonders that I love.

I bet there is so good a catch

He looks up to the sky above.

Listening he strokes from his front

his blond and curly hair...

O my, what gallops up to here

what group of riders dare?

The dust is raised, the hoof's prance bangs,

near comes the sound so armed;

My God, the Squires are spoiling

all of my bird is harmed.

And now, what's up? The campaign stops

in front of our Duke.

Sir Henry moves out of the crowd and speaks:

For whom, sirs, do you look?

At the moment they raise their little flags

and cheer: To our Sovereign!

All cheers to Emperor Henry, Cheers

to saxonia's gain!

They bow their heads and kneel before him

and hail him silent still.

And answer as surprised he asks:

It's German Kingdoms Will.

So Sir Henry looks up deeply moved

up to the sky abovest:

Thou givest so good a catch, my Lord,

just to the man thou lovest.