We were sitting upon the deck,
Proudly sailing down the Rhine,
And the shores, with summer-green,
Were glowing in sunset-shine.

Full of thoughts, I sat at the feet
Of a gracious, charming maid;
Over her lovely pale features,
The golden sunlight played.

Lutes were sounding, boys were singing,
Happiness on every side!
And the heaven became bluer,
And the very soul grew wide.

Hills and castles, woods and meadows,
In fairy-wise fleeted by,
And I saw them all, reflected
In the lovely maiden's eye.