In the circle of the vassals sits
The knight, young and courageous;
His fiery dark eyes flash,
As if he were off to battle,
And his cheeks glow.

A gentle maiden steps forward
And fills his goblet.
[She then steps back with a smile]1;
Suddenly the clearest beam of morning light
Falls upon her forehead.

The knight quickly grasps her
By her white hand.
Her blue eyes, dewy and bright,
At first she cast them down,
Then she lifts them steadfastly.

 "Lovely Hedwig, who stands before me,
Three things tell to me freely:
Whither you came, whither you go,
Why you follow me always;
Those are the three things!"

"Whither I come?  I come from God,
That's what they told me,
When, persecuted by scorn and derision,
I once in tears asked about
My father and my mother.

Whither I go?  Nothing drives me onward,
The world is far too great.
Why should I exchange one place for another?
[The world] is everywhere
Full of joy and splendour.

Why I follow wherever you beckon?
Ah, tell me, how could I rest?
I serve the wine that you drink,
I begged you for that privilege upon my knees
And I would like to do it always."

 "Thus, you blonde child, I ask
You a fourth question yet;
This last thing tell me quickly,
Then I shall ask nothing further,
Tell me, maiden, do you love me?"

At first she stands rigid and mute,
Then she slowly gazes about
The circle of the solemn guests,
And folds her hand
And speaks:  I love you!

But now I also know whither
I must go from here;
It is clear to me in my mind:
After having confessed this,
Only the veil is appropriate to me!

"And when you say, you come from God,
I feel that this is true.
Therefore, despite scorn and derision, I will lead you
As His dearest daughter
To the altar yet today.

You noble lords, I elaborately invited
You to a feast;
You knights, proud and laden with glory,
Follow me to the chapel,
It shall be my most beautiful feast!"