King Richard

Text by Heinrich Heine (1797-1856)

Translated into English by Joseph Massaad 

français - deutsch


In the forest deserted splendour
A horseman gallops impetuously;
He blows his horn, sings and laughs,
With a contented heart, ever so gaily.

His armour is made of strong steel,
However his spirits are even stronger,
He is Richard the Lion-heart,
Of Christian chivalry, the flower.

The trees with their green tongues
Shout to him: Welcome to England!
You escaped your Austrian captivity,
Oh King, we are ever so glad!

The king enjoys the fresh air,
He feels like a new-born child;
He thinks about the air of his Austrian dungeon
And spurs on his horse, ever so wild.