The minstrel rests upon the rugged rocks,
The morning light sending its beams all around him;
He gazes down to where the Rhine’s
Proud waves break:
Hark! through the air roars a storm
Of rejoicing and singing,
And far below from tower to tower
Festive bells ring out. --
 
Now the waters surge at the rocky cliff,
[Surge] upward in white foam;
A golden ship approaches rapidly,
As beautiful as a fairy-tale dream;
Upon it stands many a glorious figure
Surrounding a noble guest,
And a flag with an eagle hangs
Down from the slender mast.
 
Past – past -- "why do you weep,
Oh minstrel solemn and pale --?"
""In silent repose I was thinking the while
Of the old German realm;
Thereupon only a single one of my tears fell
Down into the deep grave of the waves;
For ah! [the realm’s] last emperor passed by
Down there upon the Rhine!""