His pack feels light to him,
  Her heart is heavy
  As she gives him her hand,
  To see him nevermore.

He takes his walking staff and
In a carefree manner says:
  "Farewell, you young lass
  Whom I have loved!

"The boatman calls at the shore,
  He who shall take me hence,
  Where, in my homeland, a rich bride
  Has been chosen for me.

"I loved you very much,
  But to that there must now be an end,
  Soon, across the sea, I shall
  Marry the most beautiful woman."

And as he says this,
  She looks into his eyes,
  Her face is utterly
  Bedewed with tears.

Her red lips speak:
  "Farewell, you best of men,
  Whom, even in my last hour,
  I can only love.

"Farewell, may God be with you,
  Travel safely over the sea,
  And may your heart never be
  Laden with sorrow as mine is!

"And what you are and what you do,
  Be it yonder or here,
  And wherever you go and wherever you rest,
  May God's blessing be with you!

"And she whom you go to marry,
  She, who makes my heart heavy,
  May she be as happy
  As I would have been with you!"

Then he quickly throws his pack 
  Aside so joyfully,
  And kisses her on the spot,
  And presses her tightly to his breast.

"You, who can still dispense blessings
  To him who is breaking your heart,
  Now I know how you love,
  And I shall not abandon you.

"If it had not been too difficult
  For you to speak an evil word,
  I would have travelled hence,
  To see you nevermore.

"And therefore be not angry
  That I tested you,
  Put away my travelling hat,
  Put my wandering staff aside.

"You are my sole happiness,
  Be it yonder or here,
  I shall not leave you behind
  If my homeland calls me."