In the hall at Speyer a clinking of glasses,
by candle and torch light, both singing and dancing.
Count Eberstein leads the dance
with the Emperor's heavenly daughter.

And as he whirls her in the airy dance,
she whispers quite softly (she cannot keep silent),
"Count Eberstein, mark my words well! 
Tonight your castle is endangered."

Ah", realizes the Count, "Your Imperial Majesty,
so that is why you invited me to this Ball!"
He seeks out his horse, leaves his companions,
and races to his imperilled home.

At Eberstein's castle, the warriors are swarming,
through the mist they are creeping with grapples and ladders.
Count Eberstein greets them warmly,
and hurls them of the battlements into the moat.

And when, on the next morning, the Emperor came riding,
he expected to find that the castle was taken.
But on the walls, celebrating with glee,
were the count and his men-at-arms.

If, Sire, thou deignst sneak upon castles,
ye must learn more about dancing!
Thine daughter so sweet, who danceth so well,
to her alone my castle gate shall be opened."

In Eberstein's castle, a clinking of glasses,
by candle and torch light, both skiping and dancing.
Count Eberstein leads the dance
with the Emperor's heavenly daughter.

And as he whirls her in the bridal dance,
he whispers quite softly (he cannot keep silent),
"My dearest wife, heed my words well!
Tonight a certain castle is endangered."