Princess Ilse

I am the Princess Ilse,
And dwell in Ilsenstein:
Come with me to my castle;
Thou shalt be blest, — and mine!

With ever-flowing fountains
I'll cool thy weary brow:
Thou 'lt lose, amid the rippling,
The cares which grieve thee now.

In my white arms reposing,
And on my snow-white breast,
Thou 'lt dream of old, old legends,
And sink in joy to rest.

I'll kiss thee and caress thee.
As in the ancient day
I kissed tlie Emperor Henry,
Who long has passed away.

The dead are dead and silent:
Only the living love;
And I am fair and blooming, —
Dost feel my wild heart move?

And as my heart is beating.
My crystal castle rings,
Where many a knight and lady
In merry measure springs.

Silk trains are softly rustling,
Spurs ring from night to morn;
And dwarfs are gayly drumming.
And blow the golden horn.
As round the Emperor Henry,
My arms round thee shall fall:
I held his ears, — he heard not
The trumpet's warning call.