The earth is cold and the sky dark,
Farewell happy songs!
Farewell nests, beehives without number,
The forests, once full of shade,
[Are] now white with ice!
  Here is winter, here is the snow,
  All the trees are leafless;
  May a milder climate protect you!
  Here is winter; flee, birds.

Farewell grass of the plain,
Farewell triumphant bouquets
Which one harvested by [the handful]!
The breathless struggle,
The butterflies and the children!
  Here is winter, here is the snow,
  Where the poor walk barefoot;
  May the good Lord protect you.
  Here is winter; pray, children.

Through the paths and through the streets,
One meets, extending [their] hands,
Poor women [meagerly] dressed,
One hears distraught voices,
Shivering from cold and hunger!
  Here is winter, here is the snow,
  Think of the many unfortunate ones;
  May the good Lord protect you.
  Here is winter; give, you rich people.