The Electoral Prince

Götz: Elector

Kruspe: Elector

There were between seven and nine electoral princes, who had the privilege of electing the new emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. For this reason, the electoral prince has more power than an ordinary prince and is only surpassed by the emperor. And, of course, by Death.

Death commands the elector: "Take off your purple and your ermines". Rather unfairly since Death himself wears an ermine coat.

Der Tod zum Kurfürsten:
Gieb, Inful, Stab und Stuhl, gieb Kurhut, Schwert und Amt,
Dem, der an Würden folgt, dem, der dir angestammt!
Das letzte Sonnenlicht hat heute dir geschienen,
Leg' deinen Purpur ab und deine Hermelinen.

Death to the Electoral Prince:
Give miter, staff and chair, give electoral hat, sword and office,
to him who succeeds in dignity, to him who is your heir!
The last sunlight has shone upon you today,
Lay off your purple and your ermines.

Der Kurfürst:
Weil ich in Fried regiert, soll auch der Geist mit Freuden
Nach jener Himmelsburg in Glaub und Frieden scheiden.
Ich fall und stehe noch, ich sterb und bin am Leben,
Weil für den Fürstenhut mir Gott will Kronen geben.

The Electoral Prince:
Because I reigned in peace, the spirit shall also depart with joy
to that Heavenly Castle in faith and peace.
I fall and yet I stand, I die and I am alive,
because God will give me crowns for the prince's hat.