Todt zum Hertzog: |
Death to The Duke Have you jumped(1) high with women, proud Duke, it has succeeded well for you. For this you must atone in the dance. Well then, be pleased now to greet the dead. |
Der Hertzog: |
The Duke. Oh murder, must I so soon from here? Leave land, people, wife, child behind? Then may God have mercy in His kingdom. Now I'll become like my dance partner. |
Death's speech is taken almost verbatim from the duke in Heidelberg's block book and other versions of the high German dance of death.
English translation from Beck, 1852 | |
---|---|
Death to the Duke. | The Duke's reply. |
With ladies you have long danc'd well, |
Woe's me! must I with haste so wild |
Translation from Hess, 1841 | |
Death to the Duke. | Answer of the Duke. |
Have you leap'd wid ladies well dressd, |
O murder! must thus haste away, |
Footnotes: (1)