Heinrich Heine
Loreley
I'm looking in vain for the reason
That I am so sad and distressed;
A tale known for many a season
Will not allow me to rest.
Cool is the air in the twilight
And quietly flows the Rhine;
The mountain top glows with ahighlight
.From the evening sun's last shine
The fairest of maiden's reposing
. So wonderously up theree
Her golden treasure disclosing;
She's combing her golden hair.
She combs it with comb of gold
And manwhile sings a song
With melody strangely bold
And overpoweringly strong.
The boatman in his small craft
.Is seized with longings, and sighs
He sees not the rocks fore and aft;
.He looks only up towards the skies
I fear that the waves shall be flinging
Both vessel and man to their end;
That must have been what with her
singing
The Lorelei did intend.