The castle, it lies derelict
In lovely solitude.
I sat there in front of its halls
In the quiet noontime.

On the ramparts the deer
Were resting in the coolness,
And deep in a blue sultriness
[Rested] all the sunny valleys.

Far down below I heard bells
Ringing in the far distance,
But I, startled, had to gaze
Up to the old alcove.

For in the arch of the window
A beautiful woman stood,
As if up there she were guarding
The forests and the land.

Her hair like a golden cloak
Had curled down into the depths;
Suddenly she turned
As if she wished to speak.

And as I listened with a shudder --
I found myself awakened,
And below me the night
Was already soughing so wondrously.

Did I dream in the shimmering moonlight?
I do not know what terrifies me,
But one thing I shall never forget:
How she gazed at me!