The advice of an old woman

I was young once,

and can also put in a word,

and now I've become old,

so my words are important.

Fair ripe berries

hang from the tree:

neighbors, it does not help

to put a fence around the garden,

for merry birds

will know the way.

Yet, my young lady,

take my advice:

hold your sweetheart

well in love,

well in respect!

With these two little threads

spun into one,

you will lead him

by one little finger.

Sincere of heart,

yet able to keep quiet,

awake with the sun

and merry at work,

with healthy limbs

and clean linen -

this makes a maiden

and a wife of worth.

I was young once,

and can also put in a word,

and now I've become old,

so my words are important.