Truly, I would like to be nothing
Other than a miner.
To be half at home in the dark horrors,
And half in God’s light.
 
Now upon the cable through the air
Descending into the scaffolding and the abyss
Now upon the ladders, merry, free,
Climbing toward daylight without timidity.
 
Soon with hammer and with chisel
Testing the mineral content of the walls,
Now with the might of gunpowder propelling
The sound of thunder through the shaft.
 
Now digging in a sunken sanctuary,
Around me the wild roaring of the water channels,
Along with it the noisy playing of the arts.
What manly heart would object to that?
 
Then again beside one’s own hearth,
Having returned home after labour,
Only hominess and sunlight,
And also a dear face.
 
Now again in the circle of my brethren
After the old custom of the guardians of the mine entrance,
A full glass that is gladly given,
Bringing to each what we like.
 
Yes, only where shadow and light
Entwine themselves into a unity,
There I can live as it suits me;
Good luck, that I am miner!