The Cardinal

    der Tod
Gib gute Nacht der Welt, bestürzter Cardinal:
Dein Ende ruffet dich zur ungezaehlten Zahl:
Ich weiß nicht was du dort wirst für ein Theil erlangen
Das weiß ich Sohn, du hast viel Gutes hier empfangen.

    Death
Bid the world goodnight, shocked cardinal:
Your end calls you to the countless numbers:
I know not what portion you will attain there;
this I know, son, you have received much good here.

    der Cardinal
Rom schenckte mir den Hut, der Hut trug Ehr u. Geld,
So höhnt ich sorgenfrey das Paradies der Welt,
Mein Wunsch war mit der Zeit auf Petri Stuhl zu rücken(1)
Und muß davor erblaßt das Haupt zur Erde bücken.

    The Cardinal
Rome gave me the hat, the hat bore honor and money,
so I built the Paradise of the world without worry,
My wish was to move to Peter's chair(1) in time,
but sooner I must bow my pale head to the ground.

    VIII. Death to the Cardinal.
Why is your eminence aghast?
Seest thou not multitudes go fast
Before thee? Bid the world adieu
With a good grace, and courage too.
How thou wilt fare, when this life's over,
God knows; but here you've liv'd in clover.

    IX. The Cardinal's answer.
My hat, which brought me wealth and honour,
I owe to Rome, thanks to the donor.
Wrapt up in those enjoyments nice,
I made the world my paradise.
My utmost wish, St. Peter's chair;(1)
Alas ! I never must come there.