Bleibach, The emperor

The emperor
Death to the emperor

Death to the emperor

    Zuem Keyser.

Allzeit hat dir der krieg woll g'lungen,
dardurch vill Stätt und Land gezwungen.
doch mich nit zwingst, hab schon die Cron.
Du muest mit mir jetz gleich darvon.

    To the Emperor.

You have always been successful in war,
in this way you have conquered many cities and lands,
but you don't force me; I already have the crown.
You must immediately leave with me now.

The emperor

    Antwort.

Was helfen mir auch Städt und Reich,
Wenn ich soll sterben allsogleich!
Du Tod, siehst keine Person an
Es gilt Dir Kaiser wie Bettelmann.

    Answer.

What use are cities and empires to me
if I have to die immediately?
You Death, look at no person['s wealth].
To you an emperor is like a beggar.

The emperor is the first of 19 secular men. Death begins in his wonted manner by stripping his victim of his crown.