We rest, rocked by the water,
In a familiar and close circle;
Like hanging flowers, we are united
And placed in rows by concord;
We are separated from the bothersome crowd
By the waters that nestle about our barque.

Thus we glide, united in the expanse,
Upon the waves of ephemerality,
Where friends closely consort with
A friend who means honestly by them!
Confident, because a radiance from
On high shines upon the darkest places.

Ah! if only the perilous floodwaters of life 
Would carry us so peacefully and quietly!
Oh, would separation never threaten the circle
That rests here so untroubled about the future!
Oh, would at the goal of our journey
Elysium's bosom take us into its care!

The sound of our singing may die away,
Life may disappear like the breath of a flute;
With rejoicing and sighs the dissolving
Sounds of existence may waft away!
The spirit shall arise transfigured,
When Lethe has engulfed its vessel.