Der doit |
Death |
Der pferner |
The Priest. Had I been guarding my lambs well, as a real shepherd does, [and] kept them and me without sins, [then] I would go happily on this last journey. Now I have sought worldly goods, as the false shepherd does. Therefore I am very grieved. God will, however, bring about the best.(2) |
Footnotes: (1) (2)
See the bottom of the page about the cardinal for a discussion about the word »meyen«.
Most of these meanings, i.e. dressing up, wooing, picking flowers, visiting friends, etc. don't apply here since they are external activities, which the priest can't just "tome down", once he is dead. Thus Death must speak about an internal feeling of happiness.
Count von Zimmern avoids this obsolete word and instead writes "üben": God would exercise his mercy on me.
»Deß halben ich mich billich thú betrüben
Got wöll seÿn barmhertzickait an mier üben«.