| Margarete Münsterberg, ed., trans. A Harvest of German Verse. 1916. | | | | The Hostess’ Daughter | | By Ludwig Uhland (1787–1862) |
| | | THREE fellows were marching over the Rhine, | |
| They stopped where they saw the hostess’ sign. | |
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| “Dear hostess, have you good beer and wine? | |
| Where have you your daughter so fair and fine?” | |
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| “My beer is good, my wine is clear, | 5 |
| My daughter is lying upon the bier.” | |
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| Now into the chamber she led the way, | |
| There in a black coffin the maiden lay. | |
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| The first man drew the veil aside, | |
| And full of sorrow the maid espied. | 10 |
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| “Ah, beautiful maiden, if thou couldst live! | |
| To thee alone my love I would give!” | |
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| The second laid back the veil again, | |
| And turned away and wept in pain. | |
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| “Oh, why must thou lie upon the bier! | 15 |
| Alas, I have loved thee for many a year.” | |
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| The third man lifted again the veil, | |
| And kissed her upon the lips so pale: | |
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| “I loved thee always, I love thee to-day, | |
| And I will love thee forever and aye.” | 20 | | | |
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