A shepherd sat in the greenery,
  His arm sweetly about his beloved;
  Through the treetops shone
  The sunbeams warmly.
 
They caressed each other joyfully and merrily
  In the dalliance of love;
  Then an armoured horseman rode
  Past the happy ones.
 
"Dismount and seek coolness!"
  The shepherd called to him.
  "The approaching sultriness of noontime
  Commands one to take quiet rest.
 
Still laughing in the glow of morning
  Are bush and flower here,
  And my darling shall pick for you
  The most beautiful blossoms to weave into a wreath."
 
Thereupon the sombre rider spoke:
  "Never could forest and meadow detain me.
  I am driven onward by my fate,
  And, ah, by my solemn oath!
 
I traded my young life
  Away for idle filthy lucre;
  I cannot strive for happiness,
  Only at the most for fame and gold.
 
Therefore make haste, my steed, and tramp
  Past there where flowers bloom;
  Someday rest in the grave shall
  Reward the efforts of the warrior."