Mountains and castles gaze down

Mountains and castles gaze down

into the mirror-bright Rhine,

and my little boat sails merrilly,

the sunshine glistening around it.

Calmly I watch the play

of golden, ruffled waves surging;

silently feelings awaken in me

that I have kept deep in my heart.

With friendly greetings and promises,

the river's splendor beckons;

but I know it - gleaming above

it conceals within itself Death and Night.

Above, pleasure; at heart, malice;

O river, you are the very image of my beloved!

She can nod with just as much friendliness,

also smiling so devotedly and gently.