Mounts and castles look down there

Text by Heinrich Heine (1797-1856)

Translated to English by Joseph Massaad

deutsch - français


Mounts and castles look down there
At the clear reflection on the Rhine,
And my small boat is cheerfully sailing,
Illuminated all around by sunshine.

I look quietly to the play,
Of golden waves, as they curl and creep:
And deeply held feelings in my breast,
Suddenly awaken from their sleep.

The magnificence of the friendly river,
Promising, attracts you down, outright;
Yet I know it, though shining above,
It's inside hides death and night.

Funny on the surface and malicious inside,
River, you are the image of my loved one!
She can also friendly greet and smile,
So sweet, so docile and you are done.